Photodynamic Therapy with Verteporfin for Corneal Neovascularization

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for the treatment of patients with corneal neovascularization.

Design

Prospective interventional case series.

Methods

Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with stable corneal neovascularization who were refractory to conventional treatment were treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (6 mg/m²). Five patients were treated following penetrating keratoplasty (PK), and two patients were treated before PK. Anterior segment photography was performed before and after treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and area of corneal neovascularization were measured.

Results

At the one-year follow-up, 14 eyes (77.8%) showed a decrease in corneal neovascularization, and nine eyes (50.0%) showed complete vascular occlusion. In five patients who had corneal allograft, complete or partial occlusion was achieved in all eyes. Two patients who underwent subsequent keratoplasty did not manifest allograft rejection or revascularization. Seventeen eyes (94.4%) had stable or improved vision. The mean area of corneal neovascularization significantly decreased from 25.5 ± 14.2 mm² to 14.9 ± 14.6 mm² (P < .01), respectively. No significant complications associated with photodynamic therapy were observed except mild stromal haze in one eye.

Conclusion

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin may be effective for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.