Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a combination of a photosensitive drug and laser light to selectively treat abnormal blood vessels or tissue in the retina. The drug, administered intravenously, preferentially accumulates in the abnormal blood vessels, while the laser light of a specific wavelength activates the drug, causing a chemical reaction that damages or destroys the abnormal vessels or tissue.
The PDT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, in an examination room or operating room, under local or topical anesthesia. Before the session, a fluorescein angiography is conducted to assess the extent of the abnormal blood vessels and determine the area to be treated.
During the session, the photosensitive drug is administered intravenously. After a waiting period, the laser light is applied around the eye for a few minutes. The patient may feel a slight warmth or discomfort during the irradiation, but it is generally well tolerated.
In some cases, multiple sessions of Photodynamic Therapy may be required to achieve the desired results.
