Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in highly myopic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation

Abstract

Aims: To analyse the visual and angiographic results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in highly myopic patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV).

Methods: PDT was performed on highly myopic patients with subfoveal CNV. The patient population was divided into two groups according to age at onset of CNV (group 1 aged < or = 55 and group 2 aged >55 years old). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and angiographic findings were considered.

Results: At the end of follow up group 2 had worse BCVA than group 1. 76% of patients in both groups showed a complete closure of CNV at the end of follow up.

Conclusion: Visual prognosis of myopic CNV treated by PDT is influenced by age at onset.

Figure 1

Angiographic response to treatment in group 1 along with follow up.

Figure 2

Angiographic response to treatment in group 2 along with follow up.

Figure 3

Initial and final visual acuity in group 1. Points above the line indicate improvement in visual acuity, and points under the line indicate worsening.

Figure 4

Initial and final visual acuity in group 2. Points above the line indicate improvement in visual acuity, and points under the line indicate worsening.

Figure 5

(A) Fluorescein angiogram (FA) of patient 1 before treatment. A subfoveal classical CNV 1782 μm wide can be seen. (B) FA of the same patient at month 12 after two sessions of PDT. The activity of the CNV has disappeared and a residual late stain of the fibrotic scar can be seen. (C) FA of patient 2 before treatment. A 945 μm wide subfoveal CNV can be seen in an atrophic fundus. (D) FA of the same patient 9 months later. The CNV is closed and BCVA has stabilised.