Contact transcleral photodynamic cyclo-suppression in human eyes: a feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of contact transcleral ciliary body photodynamic treatment (CB-PDT) with verteporfin in human eyes.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Five glaucomatous blind eyes of 5 patients.

METHODS

Verteporfin (6 mg/m(2)) was infused in bolus and then the ciliary body was irradiated transclerally with a fibre optic device. Twelve spots were placed 360° and 0.5 mm behind the sclerocorneal limbus. Laser power was 80 mW and irradiation time was 3 minutes.

RESULTS

The average intraocular pressure reduction was 30% after the first month and remained below pre-treatment levels throughout a 3-month follow-up. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

CB-PDT for refractory glaucoma was safe and efficient in human eyes; larger studies are required to evaluate its possible clinical role.