Materials and Methods: Fifty eyes of 47 patients who had photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes due to age related macular degeneration between December 2002 and January 2004 in our clinic were included in the study. Visual acuities were examined with ETDRS chart. Contrast sensitivity testing was made before therapy and during follow-up in responsive patients. Membranes were angiographically classified. Patients older than 50 years and who had subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes with greatest lesion diameter (GLD) of less than 6000 μ were included in the study. Initial best corrected visual acuities were between 20/600-20/40.

Results: Mean age was 69,8±6 years and mean follow-up was 20±10 months. Membrane types classified according to FFA were predominantly classic in 30 eyes (60%), occult in 14 eyes (28%) and minimally classic in 6 eyes (12%). All membranes were subfoveal. Mean number of PDT was 2,88±1,84 (1 to 7 times).Less than 3 ETDRS lines lost was observed in 66% of the eyes in 12 months, and in 61% of the eyes in 24 months. An initial increase in contrast sensitivity and a stable curve was observed during follow-up. Mean lesion area increased from 3,22±2,62 MPS disc areas to 3,97±2,42 MPS disc areas at the last visit (p<0,05).

Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin is effective in preserving visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in choroidal neovascular membranes due to ARMD in medium and long term. Keywords : Photodynamic therapy, verteporfin, age related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascular membrane