[Photodynamic therapy in angioid streaks].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy in choroidal neovascularization associated with angioid streaks.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of eleven eyes (eight patients) with subfoveal, juxtafoveal or extrafoveal neovascularization, which received at least one session of photodynamic therapy. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by visual acuity (VA) testing, color photography and fluorescein angiography. The mean follow-up was 13.2 months.

Results: Ten eyes presented subfoveal neovascularization, one eye presented juxtafoveal and another eye extrafoveal neovascularization. VA was unchanged in two patients, increased in one patient, and decreased in eight patients following photodynamic therapy. Nine eyes presented conversion to a fibrotic disciform lesion, whereas leakage persisted in two eyes after one session of photodynamic therapy. Recurrence of choroidal neovascularization appeared in three eyes.

Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy in choroidal neovascularization related to angioid streaks does not appear to alter the course of this disease, but it does slow its progression.