Update on photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for macular diseases

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization in the macula is a major cause of visual disability in developed countries. Age-related macular degeneration is one of the commonest underlying etiologies for choroidal neovascularization, while other conditions include pathologic myopia, idiopathic, post- choroiditis, iatrogenic, and other causes. There have been no good and safe treatments for choroidal neovascularization at subfoveal areas. Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin has been shown to be effective in reducing the likelihood of visual loss due to choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration, especially when the lesion has predominantly classic composition. Further evidence indicates the beneficial effects in age- related macular degeneration with progressive occult choroidal neovascularization of small size and also in subfoveal choroidal neovascularization of pathologic myopia. The indications and applications of photodynamic therapy have been expanding swiftly and this treatment modality may provide a new hope for diseases such as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and central serous chorioretino- pathy, which are more prevalent in Asian populations.