1Holzer M. P., 1Vroman D. T., 1Crosson C. E., 2Margaron P., 1Solomon K. D.

1Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, 167 Ashley Ave, Charleston SC, 29425, USA; 2QLT Inc., 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver BC, V5T 4T5, Canada

Objective: To determine the optimal time of verteporfin administration for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of corneal neovascularization.
Methods: Corneal neovascularization was induced in Dutch Belted rabbits by placing a intrastromal silk suture near to the limbus. Verteporfin was administered (1.5mg/kg i.v.) and the rabbits sacrificed at specific time points (15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 240 min). The drug concentration in the cornea, iris and aqueous humor was determined.
Results: Neovascularized regions showed significant accumulation of verteporfin 15 min following injection. However, total corneal concentration continued to rise until 60 min post-injection. This continued rise in corneal verteporfin levels was associated with leakage of the drug from neovascular vessels.
Conclusion: The optimal time to begin PDT is 15 min after verteporfin injection and there by potential side effects on the corneal stroma and endothelium can be reduced.

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