1. Where is PDT used?

2. How is PDT given?

3. What should be avoided?

4. How often should I follow up?

5. What are the side effects?

6. How do I get more information?

Where is PDT used?

There has been increasing use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat neovascular AMD since FDA approval in 2000.  PDT has been shown to be effective in slowing the visual deterioration associated with some types of neovascular AMD.  In addition, this treatment is well tolerated without significant systemic adverse events. PDT relies on the tissue presence of a photosensitizing agent or dye that is subsequently activated by specific wavelength of light.  The only such agent currently approved is verteporfin (Visudyne).

How is PDT given?

Following the infusion of the dye, it accumulates preferentially in areas of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), the abnormal tissue causing visual loss in neovascular AMD.  Upon interaction with the light, the dye is transformed into an activated state resulting in damage and sclerosis of the CNV. The dye is first infused intravenously for 10 minutes.  Fifteen minutes after the start of the infusion, a laser light is delivered over the affected area for 83 seconds.

What should be avoided?

It is important for patients to avoid direct sunlight or bright light for 5 days after treatment to avoid photosensitivity reactions.  They should stay indoors during this time and limit skin exposure with the use of long protective clothing.  Sunscreen cannot be used as a substitute since it will not prevent damage to the skin with exposure.

How often should I follow up?

For at least the first two years following PDT, follow up visits are needed to determine if additional treatment needs to be done.

What are the side effects?

Side effects of the treatment include:

1. mild and temporary visual disturbances

2. back pain

3. photosensitivity

4. injection site reaction

5. severe allergic reaction

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How do I get more information?

 

There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic: Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser window will open. For emails, your default email program will open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you prefer not to open new windows. ONLINE ACCESS WEBSITES.      http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic      http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. -      http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive Surgery Resource      http://www.Cataract.com.ph  - Cataract Surgery Resource      http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye Information Online      http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids      http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina Surgery Resource      http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma Online      http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online EMAIL. After writing down your comments, suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how to get in touch with you by providing your name, email, home/office numbers, and mobile phone.      General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph       Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Newsletter - newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive news and updates, discounts and promotions) BLOG. Send us your comments.      EYE REPUBLIC      Ophthalmology Atlas CLINIC INFORMATION      Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC (send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart).
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Manila 3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310 1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila, 1000 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398 Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30 Mobile: (63917) 899-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Asian Hospital and Medical Center 5/F Medical Office Building (MOB) Suite 509 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang Muntinlupa City, 1781 Philippines Direct: (632) 771-9253 Direct and Fax: (632) 771-9254 Mobile: (63917) 795-2020 Map and Directions
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Medical City 6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602 MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, 1604, Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846 Mobile: (63917) 537-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic St. Luke's Medical Center 6/F Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North Tower Suite 614 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard Quezon City, 1102 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 407-3883 Mobile: (63917) 855-2020 Map and directions
CLINIC HOURS First-Come, First-Served Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays

PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY information compiled by Dr. Michael Santos and initially uploaded on August 7, 2005.

Last updated on September 13, 2007.