ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to evaluate vascular involution of corneal neovessels followed by the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) verteporfirina. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal, case series. Fifty eyes of 49 candidate patients to partial penetrating keratoplasty (PPK) also called corneal transplant (CT) at risk of corneal neovascularization (CN) of two or more quadrants and which were previous treated with intravenous PDT. The monitoring was carried out with photographic control of the anterior segment assessing adverse effects and development of CN. RESULTS: The length of the CN before and after PDT were 4.39 ± 2.24 vs 3.71 ± 2.48 (p < 0.0001) respectively. This involution was maintained after two months of follow up. One eye (2 %) presented changes Keratometry (keratometric astigmatism). Of the total 45 (90 %) of patients who showed a reduction in the CN, had revascularization within the following six months of intervention. CONCLUSIONS: the PDT with verteporfirina is effective and safe for decreasing the length of the CN, without local and systemic adverse effects. However it is suggested to schedule the surgery two months after to permit revascularization.