Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for corneal neovascularization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Treatments

Background:

• Corneal neovascularization (CNV) poses a significant threat to vision, often proving resistant to conventional therapies.
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a potential treatment modality for various neovascular disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin in patients with corneal neovascularization (CNV).
• To identify potential risk factors associated with treatment failure in CNV patients undergoing PDT.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective interventional case series included 33 eyes of 32 patients with stable CNV refractory to standard treatments.
• Patients received a single session of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (6 mg/m²).
• Outcomes assessed included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and clinical resolution of CNV, with a mean follow-up of 13.1 months.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in corneal neovascularization was observed in 66.7% of eyes, with complete vascular occlusion in 42.4% and partial occlusion in 24.2%.
• Higher CNV scores and deeper vessels were identified as significant risk factors for treatment failure (P=0.0001 and P=0.046, respectively).
• No significant systemic or ocular complications were reported, indicating a favorable safety profile.

Conclusions:

• Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin demonstrates considerable efficacy in treating corneal neovascularization, particularly in cases unresponsive to other treatments.
• The safety profile of PDT with verteporfin is encouraging, with minimal observed complications.
• CNV severity and vessel depth are critical factors influencing treatment outcomes, guiding patient selection and prognosis.