title: Photodynamic therapy of pterygium with verteporfin: a preliminary report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy and safety of treating pterygia by photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten consecutive patients with primary, recurrent, or secondary pterygium, refusing excisional surgery, were treated with a 689-nm laser delivered directly onto the pterygium after verteporfin infusion. Postoperative outcome was followed clinically and photographically for a minimum of 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Successful photothrombosis of pterygium vascularization was obtained immediately after treatment in all cases. After 1 month, revascularization of pterygia was observed in 70% of cases, and treatment was repeated after a 3-month interval. Regression or stabilization of pterygia was manifested by a scarring reaction of the corneal apex with complete or partial disappearance of vascularity. No relevant side effects were observed in our series.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PDT with verteporfin is a safe procedure to arrest the growth of pterygia. It is indicated for patients with a low- or medium-grade pterygium that refuse a surgical approach; however, multiple sessions may be required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Cagliari, I-09124 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: Maria Teresa
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Perra
authors.forename: Antonina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Serra
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015590:Fluorophotometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011625:Pterygium / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence; D000077362:Verteporfin
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin