Progression of cataracts following photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreous triamcinolone injection in cases of age-related macular degeneration.

Background: To present long-term data on the progression of cataracts following photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with 4 mg intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Fifty-seven phakic eyes of 56 patients underwent the treatment between October 2004 and November 2006. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 38 months with 3 months interval of observation and repeated treatment at recurrence.

Results: Cataract progression was noted in 40 eyes 5-21 months after treatment, consisting of 4 eyes between 3 and < 6 months after treatment, 22 eyes between 6 and < 12 months, 8 eyes between 12 and < 18 months, and 6 eyes between 18 and < 24 months. The percentage of the eyes with cataract progression began to decrease 5 months after treatment and, occurred most frequently during the period from 6 months to 12 months after treatment. There was no significant difference in age, follow-up period, or the frequency of the treatment between the cataract progression group and the non progression group. Twenty four eyes underwent surgery 10-31 months after treatment, showing significant improvement in visual acuity.

Conclusions: This study showed high incidence of cataract during a long-term follow-up after PDT combined with IVTA and significant reduction of visual acuity due to cataract.