Effects of photodynamic therapy plus intravitreal aflibercept with subtenon triamcinolone injections for aflibercept-resistant polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy

Purpose To evaluate the outcome of triple therapy of photodynamic therapy combined with injections of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) and subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) resistant to IVA. Methods A retrospective chart review at a single institution was conducted to identify patients with PCV resistant to treatment with IVA who were switched to treatment with triple therapy. In total, 13 eyes from 13 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, visual acuities, central retinal thickness (CRT) and height of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), complications, and number of injections were reviewed. Results The patients had a mean age of 68 years (range 53–83). The number of prior injections with IVA ranged from 5 to 10. At 12 months follow-up after triple therapy, there was a significant improvement in visual acuity ( P = 0.0039), a significant decrease in CRT ( P = 0.003), and a significant reduction of the height of PED ( P = 0.015). Only one patient had retinal pigment epithelium tear. Conclusions Triple therapy improved visual and anatomical outcomes in patients with PCV with recurrent or resistant retinal fluid and PED after multiple injections with IVA.