Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin for Corneal Neovascularization

Purpose: To describe the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin (Visudyne ®) on corneal neovascularization (CNV) in twenty patients. Methods: Twenty patients with corneal neovascularization were treated with a non-thermal laser light at 689 nm delivered fifteen minutes after an intravenous infusion of verteporfin. Postoperative outcome of neovascularization was followed clinically (inflammation, intraocular pressure and visual acuity) and photographically (colour photographs and corneal fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography) for a minimum of one year. Results: Successful photothrombosis of corneal neovasculararization was obtained immediately after treatment in all patients, and regression was verified by corneal fluorescein and ICG angiography. In 12 patients partial vessel recanalization was observed after one month, and treatment was repeated, with complete regression of new vessel. No relevant side effects were observed in our cases. Conclusions: PDT with verteporfin is an effective and safe procedure indicated for patients with corneal neovascularization: howerver, multiple sessions may be required