Temporary intraocular pressure lowering by photodynamic therapy in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma

■ BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to ascertain whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin is able to reduce the blood - aqueous barrier impairment in eyes affected by pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PESG) with consequent intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering. ■ PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five patients with poorly controlled PESG were selected. The laser energy was directed to the anterior chamber angle and the iris surface by means of a Goldmann lens. ■ RESULTS: IOP reduction was registered 1 month after PDT and lasted 3 months, reaching the values registered before PDT after that. Iris fluorescein angiography 1 week and 1 month after PDT showed reduced dye leakage, but the same amount of dye leakage visible before PDT was detectable 3 months later. ■ CONCLUSION: PDT can reduce the breakdown of the blood - aqueous barrier and can lower the IOP temporarily in eyes affected by PESG. Further studies are needed to analyze the biochemical changes after PDT in aqueous humor.