Functional changes after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate image preferences after photodynamic therapy (PDT). DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study. METHODS: Seventeen patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration were tested by color vision, contrast sensitivity, and near visual acuity (VA) with positive images and negative images before, 1 week after, and 3 months after PDT. RESULTS: Before PDT, 13 patients (76%) preferred positive images; the difference was not significant (P < .04). One week after PDT, 16 patients (94%) preferred negative images. The average near VA improved to 27 letters on positive images and to 32 letters on negative images (P < .00001). Three months after PDT, near VA declined to 19 letters on positive images and to 26 letters on negative images (P < .000001). Color vision and contrast sensitivity remained constant during all examinations. CONCLUSION: Although PDT may not alter the neurosensory retina, it may affect intraretinal function by changing image preference.

Duke Scholars

Author Sharon Fekrat Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery