Role of photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) involving the fovea in Indian eyes, through a retrospective interventional case series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 9 patients (9 eyes) diagnosed to have PCV with foveal involvement between September 2001 and October 2002. RESULTS: Nine eyes underwent PDT for PCV. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 16 months. Initial visual acuity (VA) ranged from 1/60 to 6/12 and final VA varied from 1/60 to 6/9 at the end of follow-up. VA improved in 4/9 eyes (44.4%) by one line and remained unchanged in 5/9 eyes (55.6%), hence it was considered stabilized in all eyes. No adverse effects or events were observed during or after treatment with verteporfin. CONCLUSION: PDT may be beneficial for PCV with foveal involvement. Its long-term efficacy requires to be evaluated.