Photodynamic Therapy With Verteporfin for Choroidal Neovascularization Caused by Age-related Macular Degeneration

Abstract
CHOROIDAL neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of severe, irreversible central vision loss in people older than 65 years in the western world.1-3 The only proven therapy for CNV at this time is laser photocoagulation.4-7 With its nonselective thermal tissue destruction, laser photocoagulation can eradicate surrounding choriocapillaries, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and adjacent photoreceptors, leading to an absolute scotoma at the area of treatment.6,7 Consequently, laser treatment has been beneficial in a selected few cases that do not involve the foveal center 4,5 or that are relatively small when subfoveal.6-8