Purpose:
To evaluate our ocular photodynamic treatment (PDT) results in cases with subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Material Methods:
Seventy-eight eyes of 78 cases with subfoveal CNVMs to whom ocular PDT with verteporfin applied and followed at least 12 months between January 2004 and June 2005 were enrolled in this prospective study. Ophthalmic examination, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure measurements were performed pre and post of PDT. Systemic risk factors were also determined for all cases.
Results:
Mean age was (± SD) 71 ± 7 years (58-90 years). Female / male ratio was 32 / 46. Diabetes Mellitus in 8 cases (10%), hypertension in 36 cases (%46), cigarettes smoke in 27 cases (35%) were determined. The mean time for the onset of decrease in VA to PDT was 19 ± 16 months (1-84 months). Back pain was seen in 1 case (1.3%) and decreased visual acuity was seen in 3 eyes of 2 cases (2.6%). The mean follow-up time was 20 ± 6 months (12-36 months). Best-corrected VA increased (at least 1 Snellen line) in 14 eyes (18%), did not change in 23 eyes (30%) and decreased (at least 1 Snellen line) in 41 eyes (52%).
Conclusion:
PDT is a practical therapeutic method for stabilization of VA in patients with subfoveal CNVMs in medium and long term.
Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularisation, ocular photodynamic therapy