[Evaluation of photodynamic therapy in idiopathic choroidal neovascularization].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
Sixty-one cases (61 eyes) of CNV were treated with PDT and the fundus appearance, visual acuity, retina thickness as well as the fundus angiographic imaging were observed before and after the therapy. PDT was performed 1.2 times in average and the follow-up period was 6 - 36 months (mean 19 months).


RESULTS
At the last follow up, the visual acuity was improved in 41 eyes (67.2%), unchanged in 15 eyes (24.6%) and slightly decreased in 5 eyes (8.2%). Macular hemorrhage and exudation reduced in all cases after PDT. Fundus angiography showed complete closure of CNV in 38 eyes (62.3%), partial closure in 4 eyes (6.6%), incomplete closure in 14 eyes (23.0%) and recurrence in 5 eyes (8.2%). In 6 eyes CNV was complete closed after single PDT with diminish of macular edema and neuronal retinal epithelial detachment. No recurrent CNV was observed during three years' follow-up and the visual acuity remained stable. Our results also demonstrated that the therapeutic effect decreased with patient's age (t = 0.476, P = 0.016). The decrease of visual acuity averaged 0.008 per year.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy is a potential treatment for idiopathic CNV and better outcomes are achieved in younger patients.
Su
Zhao-An
ZA
Eye Center of Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China.
Yao
Ke
K
Shen
Jie
J
Jiang
Jie-Kai
JK
Fang
Xiao-Yun
XY
Lin
Ji-Jian
JJ
DU
Xin-Hua
XH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult