What it is
Photodynamic therapy combines two elements: a medication called Verteporfin, which is sensitive to light, and a low-power laser that activates it. The medication is given through a vein in the arm and circulates through the body. When the laser is then aimed at abnormal blood vessels in the retina, it activates the medication only in those vessels, helping to seal them while leaving the surrounding retina unaffected.
PDT is performed in our office.
When it's used
PDT is most commonly used to treat:
- Central serous chorioretinopathy
- Wet age-related macular degeneration in selected cases
Whether PDT is appropriate for you depends on the specific findings on examination and imaging. Your retina specialist will discuss whether it is the right treatment for your case.
What to expect
The procedure has two parts. First, the Verteporfin medication is infused through an IV in your arm over about ten minutes. After the infusion is complete, the laser is applied to the affected area of the retina for less than two minutes. The treatment is painless.
After the procedure
The Verteporfin medication remains in your body and skin for up to five days after treatment. During this time, direct sunlight or bright indoor light can cause a severe sunburn-like reaction. While the medication clears, you should:
- Stay out of direct sunlight
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and dark sunglasses if you must go outside
- Avoid bright indoor lights, particularly halogen and unshielded fluorescent lighting
- Cover up well even on cloudy days
After about five days, normal light exposure can resume. Vision changes after PDT are usually mild; we will follow up to assess the response to treatment.