Photodynamic Therapy of Choroidal Neovasculariation Associated with Large Serous Pigment Epithelial Detachment

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with large serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: The records of nine eyes of nine patients were reviewed. Mean follow-up period was 11.4 months (range, 6 ~ 26 months). The photodynamic therapy was done using a spot size with a diameter larger than the greatest linear dimension of the CNV lesion revealed on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). RESULTS: In 7 of 9 eyes, the PED persisted with progression of neovascular membrane, and retinal pigment epithelial tear occurred in 3 eyes. In one eye, visual improvement could be achieved with decreased extent of PED until the follow up period of 6 months. In remaining one eye, the caliber of new vessel decreased on ICGA accompanied by improvement of vision and PED after first photodynamic therapy. However, 3 months after second photodynamic therapy, CNV proliferated extensively with resultant visual loss. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that photodynamic therapy provide no benefit in the treatment of CNV associated with large serous PED in age-related macular degeneration.