Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a variant of wet (neovascular) macular disease in which abnormal, polyp-like blood vessels in the choroid beneath the retina leak fluid and blood, damaging central vision. In the UK it is treated with anti-VEGF injections such as aflibercept, ranibizumab or faricimab, often combined with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) to close the polyps. Private assessment starts from around £300 for a consultation with imaging, with injections from approximately £1,200 and PDT from around £1,800.
What is polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy?
PCV is characterised by a branching network of abnormal choroidal vessels with small, polyp-like dilatations at their edges. These polyps can leak fluid and bleed under the retinal pigment epithelium and retina, causing sudden distortion or loss of central vision. PCV is considered a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and is relatively more common in people of Asian and African heritage.
Accurate diagnosis matters because PCV can behave differently from typical wet AMD and may respond best to a combined treatment approach. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, alongside OCT, is the key test that identifies the polyps and guides treatment.
Symptoms of PCV
- Sudden blurring or loss of central vision in one eye
- Distortion — straight lines look bent or wavy (metamorphopsia)
- A dark or empty patch in the centre of your sight
- Reduced colour and contrast
- Symptoms from bleeding, which can come on quickly
New distortion or central vision loss? A prompt consultant retina assessment with OCT and ICG imaging can confirm PCV and start sight-saving treatment.
Book a retina assessmentPCV treatment options
Treatment aims to stop leakage, close the polyps and preserve vision. Your consultant will tailor the plan to your scans and response.
Anti-VEGF agents including aflibercept, ranibizumab and faricimab are all used for PCV in the UK, and verteporfin photodynamic therapy is added to close persistent polyps. See our overview of anti-VEGF injections.
What happens during treatment
Diagnosis relies on a painless OCT scan with ICG angiography to map the polyps. Treatment is delivered as outpatient procedures:
- Imaging confirms PCV and locates the polyps and any leakage or bleeding.
- For an anti-VEGF injection, the eye is numbed and cleaned, and the medicine is given through a tiny injection into the eye; it takes only a few minutes.
- For PDT, light-sensitive verteporfin is given through a vein, then a low-energy laser is applied to the polyps for around 80 seconds.
- Both are day-case treatments using numbing drops; you go home the same day.
- After PDT you avoid bright light and direct sun for about 48 hours because the dye causes temporary photosensitivity.
Recovery and ongoing care
PCV is a long-term condition managed on a treat-and-monitor basis. Early, consistent treatment gives the best chance of preserving vision.
First days
After an injection the eye may feel gritty for a day or two. After PDT, avoid strong light and sun for about 48 hours. Report any pain or vision drop urgently.
Weeks 1–4
An OCT scan checks the response. Fluid and bleeding begin to settle, and distortion often improves as the macula recovers.
Months 1–6
A series of injections, sometimes with PDT, brings the disease under control. Your consultant sets the interval based on your scans.
Ongoing
Regular monitoring continues so any reactivation is treated promptly. A home Amsler grid helps you detect changes early between visits.
PCV treatment cost
Private PCV care is priced around the assessment and the treatment used:
- Consultation & imaging: from around £300, including consultant retinal assessment, OCT and ICG angiography.
- Anti-VEGF injection: from approximately £1,200 per injection, depending on the drug used.
- Verteporfin photodynamic therapy: from around £1,800 per session.
- Insurance: recognised by major insurers — we can help with authorisation.
Explore related macular degeneration care or browse all treatments.