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Photo-Dynamic Therapy (PDT)Photo-Dynamic Therapy is a treatment used to help manage the "wet" form of macular degeneration.
The macula is a very small portion of the retina in the back of the eye responsible for our fine, central vision and color perception. In the wet form of macular degeneration, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow underneath the macula, causing leakage and bleeding. PDT attacks these abnormal blood vessels.
Treatment is accomplished with the use of an intravenous injection of a light sensitive medication called Visudyne ®. Once injected, applying a low-powered laser beam to specific areas of the macula where the lesion is located activates the medication. The activated Visudyne ® then begins to destroy the abnormal vessels to prevent them from further leaking. Usually, multiple treatments are needed. Unlike traditional laser photocoagulation, PDT does not cause surrounding tissue damage.
PDT usually does not restore vision already lost. The expectation is to halt further vision loss from the disease. Preservation of the existing sight in the affected eye is the goal of treatment.
There are many things to consider before this treatment is offered to a patient. A complete evaluation by a retina specialist is where the patient should begin. PDT does not benefit all patients with wet macular degeneration, and certain criteria need to be met before treatment can be administered.
When it is determined that the therapy would benefit the patient, the physician will discuss in detail the frequency of treatments and the special precautions that are needed following the therapy.
For more information, please contact the patient advisor by phone at 330-747-2733 or by email at info@eyecareassociates.com
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Disclaimer: The intent of this website is to educate users about eye care. Information found on this website is not intended to replace medical advice. Questions about treatment information should be addressed by your physician. |