Aims To retrospectively compare the therapeutic effect of modified double-dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) with standard-dose PDT in patients with circumscribed choroidal haemangioma (CCH).

Methods Thirty-nine patients with CCH were categorised in two groups by PDT type. The standard-dose group (n=12) was treated with 6 mg/m² verteporfin and a 689 nm laser for 83 s. The modified double-dose group (n=27) received one vial of verteporfin (15 mg), and the dose was calculated for each patient based on body surface area, then irradiance time was adjusted according to calculated verteporfin dose to achieve a ‘double’-dose effect. Treatment outcomes (foveal centre thickness, subretinal fluid, tumour thickness and diameter) were measured at baseline and 1 year post-treatment; subretinal fluid levels were also measured at 1, 3 and 6 months post-treatment.

Results No differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. The modified double-dose group showed a greater reduction in tumour thickness (45.3% vs 20.6%, p=0.013) and tumour volume (60.0% vs 30.0%, p=0.006) at 1 year post-treatment. Recurred or non-complete resolution patients in the standard-dose group tended to show much increased subretinal fluid than those in the modified double-dose group at 1-year post-treatment.

Conclusion Modified double-dose PDT is an effective and safe protocol for symptomatic CCH management, greater tumour regression and potentially better resolution of subretinal fluid compared with standard PDT.