Photodynamic Therapy is a special form of laser treatment for Choroidal Neovascular Membrane (CNVM) due to various causes like – Macular Degeneration (AMD), High Myopia, idiopathic and post-inflammatory. In photodynamic therapy, the non-thermal laser selectively closes the abnormal blood vessels, thereby stopping the leakage and bleeding without damaging the normal structures of the retina.
How is this procedure carried out?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug and red laser light to kill the abnormally growing cell. Photodynamic therapy is a two-step procedure.
- Step 1: The dye called Visudyne (verteporfin) is injected into 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.
- Step 2: A beam of red laser light is aimed onto the 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 are the precautions after the treatment?
Avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright light for five days.
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