What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for retinal conditions in which leaky blood vessels threaten to cause permanent loss of vision. PDT involves the injection of a light-sensitive dye into the vein of the arm. The dye, called Visudyne, concentrates in the abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid and/or blood under the retina. A diode laser then activates the Visudyne, which seals the leaky blood vessels without the use of cauterizing lasers. By avoiding the use of cautery, PDT is able to treat abnormal leaking vessels with a much lower chance of causing a blind spot in the vision from the treatment. For this reason PDT is sometimes called the “cold laser.” PDT has largely replaced the cauterizing (hot) laser in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and central serous chorioretinopathy.
What do I expect after photodynamic therapy?
For 48 hours you should avoid direct sunlight, which could activate some of the dye in your system before it is eliminated from the body. Sunlight or Halogen light may cause a severe light reaction and should be avoided during this time. For this reason it is advisable to come to the office for treatment wearing a long-sleeved shirt, gloves, long pants, socks, closed shoes, and a hat. Make arrangements for someone else to drive, so you may remain shielded from light in the back seat of the car on the way home from the office. After PDT, there are no limitations in physical activity or visual activity. Some doctors recommend against straining or heavy work for one week after the treatment to avoid putting too much pressure on the blood vessels in the eye. Although some blurring of vision is common immediately after treatment, severe changes in the vision should be reported to the doctor. It may take months for the treatment to take effect. Repeated treatments with PDT may be used as needed in difficult cases.
For a telemedicine consultation with Dr Pautler, please send email request to spautler@rvaf.com. We accept Medicare and most insurances in Florida. Please include contact information (including phone number) in the email. We are unable to provide consultation for those living outside the state of Florida with the exception of limited one-time consultations with residents of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Washington.
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