Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Prospective uncontrolled follow-up of changes in reading ability after PDT with Verteporfin in patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neo-vascularization (CNV) due to AMD or high myopia. Methods: Reading acuity and the need for magnification was measured, using standardized reading charts in 48 patients with AMD and 22 patients with high myopia. A need for magnification higher than 3.2x was defined as a severe loss in reading ability. Results: Before treatment, mean reading acuity for patients with AMD was between 20/200 and 20/100. Average need for magnification was between 2.5x and 3.2x. Reading acuity, need for magnification and the percentage of patients with a need for magnification of 3.2x or less remained stable over a 12 months follow-up period. In patients with new AMD in their second eyes need for magnification was significantly lower than in those with AMD in their first eye (2.5x vs 4x, p<0.05). High myopic patients initially had a mean reading acuity of 20/200 and a need for mag-nification of 2.5x. After 9 months follow-up reading acuity showed a mean improve-ment from 0.2 up to 0.3 (p<0.05). There was as well a trend towards improvement of the need for magnification. The percentage of patients with a need for magnification of 3.2x or less improved significantly from 68% to 78% (p<0.05). Conclusion: Reading ability could be stabilized with PDT for predominantly classic subfoveal CNV in patients with high myopia or AMD for at least 9 to 12 months. The risk of developing a severe loss in reading ability (need for magnification ≷ 3.2x) was significantly reduced in high myopia and was stable over time in AMD. Financial interest: none
Keywords: 516 photodynamic therapy • 308 age-related macular degeneration • 481 myopia