Indocyanine green angiography and retinal sensitivity after photodynamic therapy of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Preliminary results indicate that PDT achieves immediate absence of leakage from CNV while maintaining visual acuity. Indocyanine green angiography reveals a reduction in CNV size and a persistent decrease in leakage activity after PDT. PDT appears to be characteristically accompanied by choroidal perfusion changes that regularly resolve within 3 months. Microperimetry shows an improvement of the central visual field with a decrease in scotoma size and intensity. Repeated PDT applications do not cause additional damage to the treated area, but might further enhance the recovery of macular function. A placebo-controlled, multi-center trial (TAP trial) evaluating the benefit of repeated PDT treatments in 3-month intervals is currently underway.