Abstract
Purpose: :
To investigate the effects of photodynamic treatment (PDT) on ocular blood flow and macular functions in patients with age–related macular degeneration.
Methods: :
PDT with verteporfine was applied to 18 subjects (mean age, 70 years) with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to age–related macular degeneration. All patients were assessed in a masked fashion for ocular hemodynamic parameters (color Doppler imaging), visual acuity (distant [Snellen] and near [Rosenbaum Vision Screener]), contrast sensitivity (Robin Contrast Sensitivity Test), stereopsis (Titmus test), 5–degree macular threshold (Humphrey Field Analyser) and colour vision (Ishihara charts). Measurments were performed in treated and fellow eyes within 24 hours before and 1 week, 1, 2, 3 months after PDT.
Results: :
At baseline, hemodynamic parameters of ophthalmic artery, posterior ciliary arteries and central retinal artery were not different between treated and fellow eyes (P>0.26). At each time point, PDT did not change any hemodynamic parameters (P>0.16). Distant visual acuity was found improved only at 1 month (P=0.01) whereas near vision started to improve at first week (P=0.04) but decreased at 3 months after PDT (P=0.17). Contrast sensitivity and stereopsis improved at first month (P=0.01 and P=0.02, respectively) and second month (P=0.02 and P=0.007, respectively). At 1 week, there was a positive correlation between distant vision and stereopsis (rho=0.79, P<0.001). Distant vision positively correleted to diastolic flow velocity in central retinal artery (rho=0.85, P=0.008). At 1 month, stereopsis exhibited positive correlation with distant (rho=0.57, P=0.01) and near vision (rho=0.62, P<0.001).
Conclusions: :
PDT was not associated with change in blood flow but macular functions in patients with age–related macular degeneration. Distant and near vision, contrast sensitivity and stereopsis temporarily improved following PDT.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration • photodynamic therapy • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled clinical trials