Combination Treatment for Choroidal Neovascularization Associated With Large Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachment

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination therapy of intravitreal bevacizumab injection and photodynamic therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration associated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment. METHODS: A total of 13 eyes were reviewed, with 9 eyes diagnosed with definite choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and 4 eyes diagnosed with CNV or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) becausethe exact type could not be determined. Photodynamic therapy was performed within 1 week after bevacizumab injection according to indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Additional bevacizumab injections were performed within a 4 to 6 week interval. Additional photodynamic therapy was performed within 4 months. RESULTS: The visual acuity on final examination had improved in 3 eyes (23.1%), was maintained in 7 eyes (53.8%), and decreased in 3 eyes (23.1%). The change of the PED before and after treatment showed regression in 5 eyes (38.5%), recurrence after regression in 2 eyes (15.4%), persistence in 4 eyes (30.8%), and retinal pigment epithelial tear in 2 eyes (15.4%). The maintained or improved visual acuity rate was 66.7% (6/9) and 100% (4/4) in the CNV and CNV or PCV group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination therapy in neovascular age-related macular degenerationassociated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment is a viable alternative treatment in the stabilization and improvement of vision. However, further studies with long-term follow up and controlled studies with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody monotherapy are required.