Purpose
To evaluate the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin 1 year after treatment in Japanese patients with age-related
macular degeneration (AMD) and subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.
Methods
Between May 2004 and March 2005, PDT was performed on 102 eyes of 98 patients (60 men and 38 women) with AMD and subfoveal
choroidal neovascularization. Patients were followed for at least 12 months after PDT.
Results
The mean visual acuities in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units were 0.978 at baseline, 0.919 at 3
months, 0.895 at 6 months, 0.892 at 9 months, and 0.874 at 12 months. After PDT, the logMAR visual acuity improved by >0.3
logMAR units or more in 28 eyes (27%) and deteriorated by >0.3 logMAR units or more in 13 eyes (13%). Stable or improved vision
was achieved in 93% of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).
Conclusions
The visual outcome in our patients was similar to that of an earlier major Japanese study, and similar to or better than outcomes
in Western studies. Differences between Caucasians and Japanese might influence the characteristics of PCV. It is possible
that PDT is more effective for AMD patients with PCV than for other AMD patients. Further observations and longer follow-up
are necessary. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2007;51:210–215 © Japanese Ophthalmological Society 2007
Key words age-related macular degeneration - JAT study - photodynamic therapy - polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy - TAP study