Current Indications for Photodynamic Therapy in Retina and Ocular Oncology

• Published in: Current ophthalmology reports Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 107 - 116
• Main Authors: Di Nicola, Maura, Williams, Basil K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.09.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Age; Clinical trials; Lasers; Macular degeneration; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Myopia; Ophthalmology; Photodynamic therapy; Retina (Raquel Goldhardt; Section Editor; Tomography; Topical Collection on Retina; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Visual acuity; Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy; Pachychoroid neovasculopathy; Photodynamic therapy; Choroidal hemangioma; Central serous chorioretinopathy; Retinal hemangioblastoma
• ISSN: 2167-4868; 2167-4868
• DOI: 10.1007/s40135-021-00272-2

Purpose of Review The purpose of this review is to summarize the current indications for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of retinal diseases and intraocular tumors. Recent Findings The recent introduction of new imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography angiography and swept-source optical coherence tomography has enabled the quick and non-invasive identification of certain retinal conditions that benefit from PDT. Furthermore, recent reports in the literature have confirmed the role of PDT as an effective treatment modality for selected intraocular tumors. Summary While the use of PDT has decreased since its introduction due to the advent of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, there is still a role for this modality in several retinal conditions and intraocular tumors including central serous chorioretinopathy, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, choroidal neovascularization associated with choroidal nevus, choroidal hemangioma, choroidal metastasis, and retinal hemangioblastoma. PDT should be employed in the appropriate settings.