Photodynamic therapy of idiopathic and inflammatory choroidal neovascularization in young adults.

Abstract

To evaluate the treatment of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis, Duluth, GA) in young adults. Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. 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. Snellen visual acuity before and after PDT. 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. Photodynamic therapy seems to be useful in stabilizing and improving visual acuity in young adults with subfoveal CNV secondary to idiopathic and inflammatory etiologies.