Photodynamic Therapy

I. What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) involves an intravenous injection of a photosensitive chemical called Visudyne, followed by exposure to a non-thermal (cold) laser to the affected area of the retina. The benefit of this non-thermal (cold) laser versus a thermal (hot) laser is that PDT destroys the new blood vessel growth underneath the retina without destroying the overlying neurosensory retina. Patients that have received PDT for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration have reported that their vision has stabilized following the treatment and other patients have reported that their vision has gotten better. Early detection remains the key to successful treatment with either thermal laser or PDT.

Before PDT (Visual Acuity 20/80) Click to Enlarge

2 months after PDT (Visual Acuity 20/40) Click to Enlarge

II. Who is a Candidate for PDT?
Patients who have the wet form of Age-Related Macular Degeneration are the only patients approved for PDT at this time. It is estimated that of the 200,000 new patients in the United States who develop wet age-related macular degeneration every year, 40 to 60% may be candidates for photodynamic therapy. To determine your eligibility as a candidate, the location of the sub-retinal neovascularization must be evaluated by an examination and fluorescein angiography.


III. What Are the Restrictions Following PDT?
Visudyne is a photosensitive chemical therefore skin reactions can occur after exposure to sunlight. It is important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or bright light for five days following the treatment.

Bright light includes but is not limited to:

• Direct sunlight
• Tanning salons
• Halogen lighting in homes and offices
• Lighting used in dentist's offices or surgery operating rooms.

Stay away from undraped windows or skylights and avoid outside chores. Sunscreens are not effective in protecting against photosensitivity reactions.


IV. What Should I Bring With Me for My PDT Treatment?
Patients who receive PDT should not drive themselves home. Be sure to have someone bring you to your appointment and allow about two hours for the procedure. Be sure to wear a long sleeved shirt and pants to the office, preferably tight-knit, lightly colored fabrics. Also consider bringing gloves, a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses. An emergency alert wristband will be given to you to wear for five days following the treatment.


V. Will My Insurance Pay for PDT?
PDT has been approved by Medicare. Some private insurance companies are still pending. Please contact our billing department for a complete update on insurance coverage for PDT.

Retinal Disorders

Diabetic Retinopathy
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions
Macular Hole
Macular Pucker
Retinal Tears and Detachments
What is Fluorescein Angiography?
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
What is ICG Angiography?
What is optical coherence tomography?

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