Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Periocular Corticosteroids, and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration, Periocular Corticosteroids, and Photodynamic Therapy

Randomized controlled clinical trial of periocular corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Patients undergoing PDT are randomized to either a periocular corticosteroid injection with 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide or observation just prior to PDT. Patients are followed for 6 months. Primary outcome is leakage from choroidal neovascularization (CNV) at 3 months on fluorescein angiography.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Active choroidal neovascularization
• Age related macular degeneration
• Visual acuity 20/20 to 20/400

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neovascular lesion >6500 microns is greatest linear diameter
• More than one prior photodynamic therapy treatment
• Receiving systemic corticosteroids
• Intraocular pressure > 21 mm Hg or glaucoma medication use
• History of glaucoma or history of ocular hypertension