Outcome of photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Purpose : To report the two-year outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Cases and Method : This retrospective study was made on 35 eyes of 35 patients who received PDT for AMD and who were followed up for 2 years or longer. The series comprised 25 males and 10 females. The age at the time of PDT ranged from 56 to 83 years, average 70 years. By fluorescein angiography, 24 eyes had AMD in its narrow sense, 10 had polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and one had retinal angiomatous proliferation. Changes in visual acuity by 0.3 or more by logMAR was judged as improvement or deterioration. Results : Two years after PDT, visual acuity improved in 12 eyes (34%), remained unchanged in 16 (46%), and deteriorated in 7 (20%). Octogenarians showed poorer outcome than younger generations. Conclusion : PDT for AMD may prevent further deterioration of visual acuity for 2 years after treatment.