ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined single-session photodynamic therapy (PDT) and intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: In a prospective interventional case series, patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) underwent PDT followed by 1.25 mg IVB injection. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements were repeated at 6-week intervals and fluorescein angiography was performed after 12 weeks and when considered necessary thereafter. Repeat injections of IVB were performed based on fluorescein angiographic evidence of CNV leakage. RESULTS: Fourteen eyes were included in this study. Mean follow-up was 52.4+/-15.2 weeks (range: 26-74 weeks). Initially, mean BCVA was 0.80+/-0.42 logMAR and mean central macular thickness (CMT) was 308+/88 microm. At week 12, BCVA improved to 0.62+/-0.47 logMAR (p=0.006) and CMT reduced to 186+/-53 microm (p=0.003). Corresponding results were 0.53+/-0.52 logMAR (p=0.02) and 193+/-78 microm (p=0.002) after 24 weeks. A second IVB injection was performed in 13 eyes with a mean interval of 16.3+/-5.9 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with single-session PDT and IVB can improve vision and reduce CMT in neovascular AMD. Repeat IVB injections may maintain the visual gain from the initial combination therapy.