The optimal treatment of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is still undetermined. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for PCV but the treatment effect declines after one year. While some reports show the efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy for PCV, other reports show treatment-refractory cases. In this article, the author reviews the results of our multi-center randomized trial, conducted to compare the efficacy of PDT and ranibizumab in PCV patients. The results showed that ranibizumab is more effective in visual gain in two-year follow up. Central retinal thickness improved with both treatments and there was no difference between them. Our results provide evidence that ranibizumab is superior to PDT monotherapy for treatment of PCV in terms of visual acuity.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi (J Jpn Ophthalmol Soc) 119: 781-786, 2015.