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

Abstract 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/m2 ) 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.