Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for anterior segment neovascularizations in neovascular glaucoma

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Jul;138(1):157-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.02.015.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for iris and angle neovascularization in eyes with neovascular glaucoma.

Design: Interventional case series.

Methods: A prospective, noncomparative case series included four patients (four eyes) with neovascular glaucoma. PDT was performed following the parameters of treatment of age-related macular degeneration with photodynamic therapy Study Group (TAP). The laser was directed at the anterior chamber angle and iris surface using a Goldmann three-mirror contact lens. Iris and angle neovascularization were quantified using the number of clock hours involved. Outcome measures were obliteration of neovascularization and decrease of intraocular pressure (IOP).

Results: One week after PDT, we registered complete obliteration of angle neovascularization and partial occlusion of iris neovascularization. Subsequent reopening of angle neovascularization was detectable at 1 month. Intraocular pressure diminished considerably after 1 week, with a subsequent tendency toward stabilization.

Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy can be used safely and effectively in the early phases of neovascular glaucoma to achieve angle neovascularization obliteration and IOP reduction.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anterior Eye Segment / blood supply*
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / drug therapy*
  • Glaucoma, Neovascular / pathology
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure
  • Iris / blood supply*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Verteporfin

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin