Photodynamic therapy for age-related macular degeneration in Japanese patients: results after one year

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.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.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 by0.3 logMAR units or more in 28 eyes (27%) and deteriorated by0.3 logMAR units or more in 13 eyes (13%). Stable or improved vision was achieved in 93% of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).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.