Verteporfin Photodynamic Therapy for Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization in Pathologic Myopia: A 12-Month Retrospective Review

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the visual outcome of patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathologic myopia treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT-V) and to verify the predictive role of visual and angiographic parameters.

Methods

This is a retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series study of subjects with subfoveal CNV secondary to pathologic myopia. All patients received PDT-V according to VIP guidelines. A complete ophthalmologic evaluation was performed on all patients and included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus examination, and fluorescein angiography (FA, IMAGEnet System, Topcon Corp., Japan). CNV size (mm²) was directly measured on the early phase of the angiogram using the software included with the IMAGEnet package. All checks were scheduled at 3-month intervals for a period of 1 year. A review of medical and angiographic records was performed and assessed throughout a 12-month follow-up period.

Results

A total of 62 patients (62 eyes) were examined. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) moderately decreased without reaching a statistically noticeable level throughout the follow-up; reduction in lesion size reached a significant level at the second checkup. A significant correlation between higher baseline BCVA and better final visual outcome was detected.

Conclusions

Standardized PDT-V minimizes central vision deterioration in patients with CNV secondary to pathologic myopia. Better BCVA at presentation represents a good predictive sign.