title: Photodynamic therapy of corneal neovascularization with verteporfin.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin (Visudyne) on corneal neovascularization (CNV) in two patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two patients with corneal neovascularization were treated with a nonthermal laser light at 689 nm delivered 15 min after an intravenous infusion of verteporfin. Postoperative outcome of neovascularization was followed clinically (inflammation, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity) and photographically [color photographs and corneal fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography] for a minimum of 6 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful photothrombosis of corneal neovascularization was obtained immediately after treatment in the two patients, and regression was verified by corneal fluorescein and ICG angiography. In one case, partial vessel recanalization was observed after 1 month, and treatment was repeated, with complete regression of new vessels. 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; however, multiple sessions may be required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, Italy. mfossarello@libero.it
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fossarello
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Peiretti
authors.forename: Ignazio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zucca
authors.forename: Antonina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serra
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016849:Keratitis, Herpetic / Q000150:complications; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019233:Retreatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077362:Verteporfin
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin