Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) & Macular Degeneration: Description

The photodynamic therapy consists of 2 steps.

1. Step of the Photodynamic Therapy:
   First, an intravenous photo sensitive light-activated dye (Verteporfin) is administered. The dye spreads throughout the bloodstream and reaches the new, unwanted blood vessels in the retina.
2. Step of the Photodynamic Therapy:
   After about 15 minutes the drug has reached the eyes and thus the unwanted blood vessels in the retina of the macular degeneration affected area.
   
   Now the second step of the photodynamic therapy irradiates and activates the dye in the blood vessels of the retina for 83 seconds by a non-thermal, microscopic laser (light dose 50 J/cm2, 600 mW/cm2 irradiance). What follows is the so-called Photo thrombosis. The by the laser of the photodynamic therapy activated dye releases a biochemical process in the vessels.Toxins are created which lead to a damage and thus ultimately to the destruction of the blood vessels. Important in the implementation of the photodynamic therapy is that the area surrounding the retina is not damaged.
   
   Since new vessels grow during the photodynamic therapy procedure's following months it is only after about three months possible to determine by a fluorescein angiographic control whether the photodynamic therapy was successful or not.

It should be noted here that only a stabilization of the already deteriorated vision can be achieved with the photodynamic therapy and must be considered a success.

According to studies the photodynamic therapy cannot stop the disease but slow down the progress of macular degeneration. This also means that the photodynamic therapy cannot repair an already happened loss in vision.
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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) & Macular Degeneration: Goals

The goal of treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT) is to inhibit the abnormal growth of blood vessels in wet macular degeneration, and thus slow the loss of visual acuity.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and macular degeneration: Preparation

Before photodynamic therapy begins, the eyes of so called dripped far. This means that pupils are extended using some eye drops to fix the laser used in the therapy later better. This, says the press is in the general study of macular degeneration is a common procedure. In the second step is placed in an access rule on an arm vein through which an infusion is given with a marking agent (verteporfin, Visudyne). This is distributed in the body and thus also in the affected areas of macular degeneration in the eye of the patient.

Using a slit lamp and a so-called contact lens which is placed on the eye, is prepared of macular degeneration - Concerned to therapy.

About fifteen minutes after the infusion sprinkled his eyes again, this time with a mild narcotic. Using a slit lamp and a so-called contact lens which is placed on the eye, is prepared macular degeneration - those affected in a darkened room to the therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) & related macular degeneration: The Procedure

The actual treatment usually takes just one and a half minutes. Over this period, affected by macular degeneration body is exposed at the back of the eye with a red light laser. The laser called a chemical reaction of the injected through an arm vein drug verteporfin (Visudyne) shows. The dye gives off oxygen, which are to close the abnormal blood vessels of wet macular degeneration to prevent further leakage of fluids. By destroying and sealing the vessels to go to scarring, which should be minimized to avoid a deterioration of vision with existing macular degeneration.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) & Macular Degeneration: Complications

On the Internet it is, by the treatment with the drug verteporfin were affected by macular degeneration, nausea, headache and dizziness spoken. Allergic reactions are also possible serious consequences but is it rare ore.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) & Macular Degeneration: Side Effects

If any of the drug by mistake when injected into the tissue around the injection site of the vein would be there to irritate the skin and increased sensitivity to light at these points it said.

Other possible side effects in macular degeneration, according to Internet:
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Macular Degeneration / Photodynamic therapy (PDT): After therapy

The dye is mostly eliminated after one to two days from the body of macular degeneration affected again. Because of the strong sensitivity to light and the increased risk of sunburn is advisable to wear long-sleeved clothing and a cap.
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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and macular degeneration: Prognosis

It is still possible that the wet macular degeneration, even after the PDT is back, as the desolate blood vessels over time may again be open. In this case, a new photodynamic therapy or other treatment of macular degeneration may be necessary, such as the injection of drugs such as triamcinolone, Avastin or Lucentis into the interior of the eye of the macular degeneration affected.
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