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Introduction: The classic indication for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in ophthalmology is currently represented by classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PDT is a method, which almost selectively causes endothelial damage in neovascular lesions, followed by vascular occlusion and involution of the CNV. The mechanistic aspect suggests that non AMD-related choroidal neovascularisations might also benefit from PDT.
PDT in AMD: Within the German health system, PDT indications follow the criteria based on the inclusion criteria of the TAP studies. For instance the CNV should be predominantly classic and located under the center of the foveal avascular zone. In the diagnosis and follow-up of exudative AMD, visual acuity measurements and fluorescein angiography are the established parameters. Retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) measurements might give further information. Before PDT, they show a significant retinal thickening due to intra- and subretinal exudation. Following PDT, early RTA follow-ups show a clear decrease in retinal thickening accompanies by increasing or stable acuity.
PDT in CNV of other origins than AMD: New studies support a new spectrum of indications for PDT, hopefully leading to general cost reimbursement for patients. PDT should be viewed as a general method for vascular occlusion and does not represent a causal therapy for progressive exudative AMD. We present patients with CNV due to pathologic myopia, angioid streaks and POHS.
Conclusion: The selective vascular occlusion caused by PDT, besides CNV associated with AMD and pathologic myopia, may also allow the treatment of choroidal neovascularisations based on other entities. Careful individual evaluation of those cases is recommended.
Despite this wide array of possible indications, cost reimbursement has been limited to classic subfoveal CNV in AMD, although single case reimbursements in choroidal neovascular lesions due to pathologic myopia have been observed.
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