Photodynamic Therapy in Phoenix at Southwestern Eye Center
Visudyne for Patients in Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe, Arizona
In photodynamic therapy, a light-activated drug known as Visudyne® is injected into the bloodstream. The drug travels in the bloodstream and collects in the abnormal blood vessels, where it is activated by a non-thermal laser ( a laser that does not burn the retina). This produces a reaction that closes the abnormal vessels without causing damage to the overlying retina.
Photodynamic therapy is a multi-course treatment. The desired result cannot be achieved with just one or two treatments. Multiple treatments are necessary because leakage often reoccurs and the abnormal blood vessels may return after treatment. However, Visudyne® can be reapplied at up to three month intervals, if necessary. A typical treatment schedule for eligible AMD patients is three treatments in the first year, two times in the second year, and one to two treatments in the third year.
