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 re-treatment 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 24 white rabbits (48 eyes). Four rabbits were examined histologically before performing PDT. Ten rabbits were used as a control. Both eyes of the remaining 10 rabbits were treated with PDT at 150 J/cm2. One week later, one eye was further re-treated with PDT at the same intensity. The area of corneal neovascularization was measured and evaluated histologically using light and electron microscopies.
Results::
The neovascularized area was smaller in the re-treated group (P = 0.04) than the once treated group. The histologic examination revealed fewer new corneal vessels in the retreated group. Results from electron microscopic examination demonstrated thrombi as well as destruction and nuclear fragmentation of the vascular endothelial cells. However, there were no other changes in the cornea except for the vascular endothelial cell even in the re-treated group.
Conclusions::
These results suggest that PDT with verteporfin re-treatment may be safe and significantly more effective in the regression of corneal neovascularization.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • photodynamic therapy • vascular cells