What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

A low-power laser light is focused directly on the abnormal vessels in the eye

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If the abnormal blood vessels grow under the center of the macula, standard laser treatment would permanently damage the macula, worsening vision.

In some of these cases, a type of treatment called photodynamic therapy, or PDT, may be an option. This therapeutic procedure uses a combination of a light-activated drug called a photosensitizer and a special low-power or cool laser. The combination can be used to treat wet AMD right at the center of the macula.

Here’s how it works:

  • With PDT, the photosensitive drug is injected into the patient and travels throughout all the blood vessels, including the abnormal vessels behind the central macula.
  • The drug attaches to molecules that are commonly found in rapidly growing cells, such as those in wet AMD blood vessels.
  • A low-power laser light is focused directly on the abnormal vessels, which activates the drug, causing damage specifically to the unwanted blood vessels.

For more information about photodynamic therapy and how it can help you, contact the Cataract & Refractive Institute of Florida today. May God bless you with healthy eyes and great vision!

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