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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
An In-House-Built and Light-Emitting-Diode-Based Photodynamic Therapy Device for Enhancing Verteporfin Cytotoxicity in a 2D Cell Culture Model
Published on: January 13, 2023
Experimental inhibition of corneal neovascularization by photodynamic therapy with verteporfin
Kyung-Chul Yoon1, Kyu Youn Ahn, Song Eun Lee
1Department of Ophthalmology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea. ophyoon@hanmail.net
Purpose:
To investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization.
Methods:
One week after suturing, the localization of verteporfin in the neovascularized cornea was examined through fluorescent microscopy 1 hr after administration. Rabbits were treated with one or two times of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin at 1-week intervals. Analysis of corneal neovascularization was performed by biomicroscopic and histological examinations.
Results:
Fluorescent microscopy showed green fluorescence in the vascular walls and interstitial tissue of the corneal stroma. The mean percentages of neovascularized corneal area at 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after one time of photodynamic therapy were 90.3% +/- 3.5%, 71.6% +/- 6.2%, and 43.6% +/- 15.1% in treated eyes and 96.4% +/- 1.9% (p = 0.10), 88.6% +/- 4.6% (p = 0.01), and 76.8% +/- 4.4% (p < 0.01) in control eyes, respectively. The mean percentages 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks after two times of photodynamic therapy were also significantly lower in treated eyes compared with control eyes. In quantitative histological examination at 1 and 2 weeks after therapy, treated eyes showed significantly less neovascular area and number of vessels than control eyes.
Conclusions:
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is a safe and useful procedure to reduce experimental corneal neovascularization and can be used to inhibit angiogenesis in the cornea.
Insights
Photodynamic therapy using verteporfin effectively reduced experimental corneal neovascularization in rabbits. This treatment offers a safe and useful method for inhibiting new blood vessel growth in the cornea.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a pathological process involving the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea.
- CNV can impair vision and is often associated with inflammation, infection, or injury.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment modality that uses a photosensitizing agent and light to generate reactive oxygen species, leading to cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-angiogenic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in a rabbit model of corneal neovascularization.
- To assess the safety and utility of PDT with verteporfin for inhibiting corneal angiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Verteporfin localization in neovascularized corneas was visualized using fluorescent microscopy.
- Rabbits underwent one or two PDT sessions with verteporfin at weekly intervals.
- Corneal neovascularization was quantitatively assessed via biomicroscopic and histological examinations.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent microscopy confirmed verteporfin distribution within the vascular walls and corneal stroma.
- PDT significantly reduced the percentage of neovascularized corneal area at various time points compared to control eyes.
- Histological analysis revealed a significant decrease in neovascular area and vessel count in PDT-treated eyes.
Conclusions:
- Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin demonstrates significant anti-angiogenic effects in experimental corneal neovascularization.
- PDT with verteporfin is a safe and effective procedure for reducing pathological corneal angiogenesis.
- This approach holds promise for therapeutic applications in managing corneal neovascularization.
