Comparison between 1-year outcomes of aflibercept with and without photodynamic therapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: Retrospective observation study

Abstract

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is characterized by polyp-like choroidal neovascularization and a branching vascular network. Intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) or photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used for treatment. We retrospectively compared the 1-year outcomes of IAI monotherapy and its combination with initial PDT for PCV. Twelve eyes with nave PCV received three IAIs and a single PDT after the first IAI and as needed injection (combination group); 11 eyes with nave PCV received three IAIs and as needed injections (IAI group). Significant improvements in visual acuity after 2 months and in CRT after 1 month were maintained at 12 months in both groups (both P < 0.05); groups did not differ significantly at any time point. CCT significantly reduced after 3 and 12 months in the combination group (both P < 0.05) but not in the IAI group. A mean of 3.7 ± 0.9 and 5.6 ± 2.0 injections was administered to the combination and IAI groups, respectively (P = 0.013). Within a 1-year period, combination therapy was found to yield similar visual acuity and retinal structure improvements and maintenance as IAI monotherapy while requiring fewer IAIs.