Abstract
Purpose::
Corneal neovascularization may increase the incidence of corneal opacity and corneal graft rejection. This study evaluated the effect and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin at 50 J/cm2 and at 150 J/cm2 for corneal neovascularization, which has been generally used to treat choroidal neovascularization.
Methods::
Corneal neovascularization was induced with a silk suture of the corneal stroma in 22 white rabbits (44 eyes). Two rabbits were examined histologically before performing PDT. Ten rabbits were chosen randomly, one eye from the rabbits was treated with PDT at 50 J/cm2, and the other eye was used as a control. Remaining 10 rabbits were treated with PDT at 150 J/cm2. The area of corneal neovascularization was measured and evaluated histologically using light microscopy.
Results::
The neovascularized area was smaller in the group treated with PDT at 50 J/cm2 (P = 0.002) than the control group. It was also lower in the group treated with PDT at 150 J/cm2 (P = 0.022) than the group treated with PDT at 50 J/cm2. The histologic examination revealed fewer new corneal vessels in the group treated with PDT at 150 J/cm2 than the group treated with PDT at 50 J/cm2. The corneal epithelium, stroma, and endothelium showed a normal appearance.
Conclusions::
In conclusion, PDT with verteporfin at 150 J/cm2 may be safe and significantly more effective than PDT with verteporfin at 50 J/cm2.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • photodynamic therapy • neovascularization