Photodynamic Therapy-Induced Acute Exudative Maculopathy (PAEM): Prevalence, Impact and Management Strategies

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has a niche role in treating various choroidal pathologies. PDT-induced acute exudative maculopathy (PAEM) is an uncommon complication of PDT that results in exudative retinal detachment and mild to severe decrease in vision. Successful management strategies include observation, local or systemic corticosteroids, and intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. Most cases return to visual acuity near baseline. This review summarizes what is known about PAEM to date including etiology, prevalence, management strategies, and outcomes. We conclude that management of PAEM must take into consideration various patient-specific factors. Treatment with corticosteroids or anti-VEGF agents may expedite time to recovery, though lack of randomized controlled trials preclude firm conclusions regarding a standardized approach to managing this complication of PDT.