Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy. METHODS: A retrospective review of eighteen patients (18 eyes) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treated with photodynamic therapy was done. Follow-up period was more than 6 months after therapy. The change of visual acuity, exudative lesion on fundus examination, abnormal vasculature in indocyanine green angiography, and adverse effects of treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Photodynamic therapy was performed to the entire lesion in 12 eyes, and to the active polypoidal lesions selectively in 6 eyes. In 15 eyes (83%), polyps were occluded with resolution of exudative change. The best corrected visual acuity improved in 8 eyes (44%), unchanged in 6 eyes (33%), and worsened in 4 eyes (22%). Visual acuity did not improve in spite of resolution of exudative change due to retinal pigment epithelium atrophy and fibrous change. Connecting vascular network was occluded after second photodynamic therapy in only one eye out of 12 eyes that received photodynamic therapy to the entire lesion. CONCLUSIONS: In polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, photodynamic therapy with verteporfin was effective in occlusion of the symptomatic polypoidal lesions and resolution of exudation. But it was not effective in occlusion of the branching vascular network.