Objective To investigate the manifestations of indocyanine green an giography (ICGA) of the choroidal neovascular membrane (CNV) and the relationship with histopathological changes in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with AMD diagnosed by ICGA were classified into three types based on ICGA findings: developing type in 9 eyes , degenerating type in 9, and stabilizing type in 3. CNV was extracted by vitrectomy and the histopathological characteristics of CNV was observed under the light and electron microscope. Results The histopathological characteristics of the specimens of developing type revealed abundant CNV partly enwrapped with non-pigmental cells and fibrous tissue or a few pigmental cells; degenerating type revealed reduced activation duration of CNV, many pigmental cells and a little fibrous tissue; stabilizing type revealed a mass of fibrous tissue，few CNV and nonexistence of pigmental cells. Conclusion The histopathological characteristics of exudative AMD may be related to the manifestations of ICGA. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2004，20：71-74)
