Photodynamic therapy is a special form of Laser treatment for Choroidal Neo Vascular Membrane (CNVM) due to various causes like – Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD), High Myopia, idiopathic and post inflammatory. In photodynamic therapy , the non thermal laser selectively close the abnormal blood vessels, thereby stopping the leakage and bleeding without damaging the normal structures of the retina.
How this procedure is carried out?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug and red laser light to kill abnormally growing cell.
Photodynamic therapy is a two step procedure.
First, the dye called Visudyne (verteporfin ) is injected through a vein in the hand or arm. This dye circulates through the body and sticks to the walls of the abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula.
Second, a beam of red laser light is aimed onto choroidal neovascular membrane. The light activates the dye, causing it to block the abnormal blood vessels, but does not damage the adjacent retina.
It often takes more than one treatment to stop the leakage from these vessels
What precautions to be taken after treatment?
Avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright light for 5 days.
