Photodynamic therapy of idiopathic and inflammatory choroidal neovascularization in young adults

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis, Duluth, GA) in young adults.

Design: Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series.

Participants: Nineteen eyes of 17 patients with classic, subfoveal CNV treated with PDT using verteporfin, excluding eyes with CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration, angioid streaks, and myopia.

Main outcome measures: Snellen visual acuity before and after PDT.

Results: Nineteen eyes were followed an average of 12.8 months (range, 4-33 months) after PDT. Before treatment, visual acuity measured > or = 20/40 in 0 eyes (0.0%), < 20/40 to > 20/200 in 11 eyes (57.9%), and < or =20/200 in 8 eyes (42.1%). After treatment, visual acuity measured > or =20/40 in four eyes (21.1%), < 20/40 to > 20/200 in eight eyes (42.1%), and < or =20/200 in seven eyes (36.8%). Six eyes (31.6%) underwent retreatment, with only two eyes retreated twice. Four eyes underwent eventual surgical removal of the CNV after PDT.

Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy seems to be useful in stabilizing and improving visual acuity in young adults with subfoveal CNV secondary to idiopathic and inflammatory etiologies.