Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy. A drug called verteporfin is injected into your arm. It travels throughout the body, including the blood vessels in your eye. The drug tends to "stick" to the surface of new blood vessels. Next, a light is shined into your eye for about 90 seconds. The light activates the drug. The activated drug destroys the new blood vessels and leads to a slower rate of vision decline. Unlike laser surgery, this drug does not destroy surrounding healthy tissue. Because the drug is activated by light, you must avoid exposing your skin or eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for five days after treatment.

 

Photodynamic therapy is relatively painless. It takes about 20 minutes and can be performed in the clinic.  Photodynamic therapy may be recommended by your retina specialist for macular degeneration, pathologic myopia, or central serous retinopathy.

   Retina Center

Minnesota

 

Contact Us

Tel: (612) 871-2292

       (800) 233-8504

Fax: (612) 871-0195

staff@retinadocs.com