Functional changes after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate image preferences after photodynamic therapy (PDT).


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Seventeen patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were tested by color vision, contrast sensitivity, and near visual acuity (VA) with positive images and negative images before, 1 week after, and 3 months after PDT.


RESULTS
Before PDT, 13 patients (76%) preferred positive images; the difference was not significant (P < .04). One week after PDT, 16 patients (94%) preferred negative images. The average near VA improved to 27 letters on positive images and to 32 letters on negative images (P < .00001). Three months after PDT, near VA declined to 19 letters on positive images and to 26 letters on negative images (P < .000001). Color vision and contrast sensitivity remained constant during all examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Although PDT may not alter the neurosensory retina, it may affect intraretinal function by changing image preference.
Meyer
Carsten H
CH
Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710-3802, USA.
Lapolice
Deborah J
DJ
Fekrat
Sharon
S
D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003118:Color Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D015350:Contrast Sensitivity / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin