What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy, also referred to as PDT, combines two techniques in a minimally invasive laser eye surgical procedure. It uses a cold laser and a light sensitive drug like Verteporfin that gets activated when the laser is aimed at it. Using this method, problems associated with abnormal blood vessels in your retina or the underlying choroid layer get resolved.

Your eyes and vision change over time. People in their early-to-mid-40s may complain of blurry vision or double vision. An estimated 64 percent of Americans suffer from some form of ocular disorder or another vision problem.

The easiest way to maintain your eye health is by getting routine eye examinations. The best in class laser eye surgery doctors at Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York (VRMNY) are proficient with the latest laser technology. They have offices conveniently located in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Westchester.

What Eye Problems Can Photodynamic Therapy Treat?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition in which you experience rapid growth of abnormal blood vessels in the choroid layer of your retina. These blood vessels are extremely fragile and prone to leaking blood into the surrounding tissues. This condition, known as wet AMD, can damage your retina, causing scarring and eventually significant vision impairment. Photodynamic therapy eye treatment only works on wet AMD.

Other types of eye problems the laser eye surgery is effective for include:

• Central serous retinopathy (CSR). This usually affects men aged 20 to 50. Retinopathy requires panretinal photocoagulation, another common laser procedure, along with PDT. With CSR, fluid gathers underneath your retina, in the choroid layer, which causes vision problems, which is why you may need both procedures. Generally, only one eye gets affected at a time, but in rare circumstances, both eyes can show signs of CSR.
• Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). This condition has many of the same features as wet AMD, except scarring and loss of the retinal tissue also is present. Usually Asian and African descendants are diagnosed with this condition. While PCV starts off in one eye, it can eventually affect both eyes. Regular examinations by your best laser eye doctor are especially important when you’re at risk.
• Choroidal hemangiomas. This benign vascular tumor is usually diagnosed in the later part of your life when impaired vision problems are common. Along with PDT, your NYC eye doctor may recommend other forms of treatment when necessary, such as retinal detachment repair.
• Capillary hemangiomas. Commonly known as the “strawberry” birthmark, this is a benign tumor that often appears in infancy. When the birthmark is close to the baby’s eyes, rely on an experienced ophthalmologist to perform the procedure to prevent any vision interruption. Your ophthalmologist may recommend different types of laser surgeries, including photodynamic therapy and YAG capsulotomy, depending on whether the lesions are superficial or deep.

How Does Photodynamic Therapy Work?

The main goal of photodynamic therapy is to reduce the leaks from the abnormal blood vessels and eliminate any fluid retention. The treatment usually starts with eyedrops to dilate your eyes. You may even need to undergo more diagnostic imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and ensure there are no other underlying issues. To get the right light sensitive drug dose, your doctor may take your body measurements. Once the preparatory phase is complete:

1. The drug is injected into your blood stream. It may take about 10 minutes for the drug to reach the abnormal blood vessels in your retina and choroid.
2. After 15 minutes, your ophthalmologist starts the procedure, first by fixing a contact lens on your eye and then using the laser.
3. The cold laser activates the drug in the abnormal blood vessels, creating blood clots that seal off the leaks.

One of the biggest advantages of the photodynamic therapy is its lack of heat. Because the laser doesn’t use heat, your doctor has little chance of accidentally damaging your retina. Other benefits include:

• The procedure helps stabilize your vision if you’re suffering from AMD.
• The laser can be targeted precisely due to the dye in the drug.
• The procedure is completely painless.
• The laser beam is invisible to the naked eye.
• It’s an in-office procedure.

What Results Can I Expect After My PDT Procedure?

Immediately after the laser eye surgery, your vision is going to be blurry due to the eyedrops you received. You need someone to take you home after the laser surgery. Also, since the drug is light sensitive, you have to avoid direct sunlight and bright lights for the next 48 hours. It’s advisable to wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.

While photodynamic therapy can’t bring back vision you already lost, it can help preserve your remaining eyesight. Certain eye problems, however, do tend to come back, especially if you are diabetic. That’s why you need to keep coming back for follow-up examinations for a dye test to check the blood vessels in your retina and choroid.

Studies show that getting the PDT treatment early on minimizes the risks of losing your vision. The highly rated doctors at Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York provide exceptional care for a wide range of conditions affecting your eyes, including:

• Astigmatism
• Blepharitis
• Keratoconus
• Corneal disease
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus
• Amblyopia
• Pterygium

Contact the nearest VRMNY office today for an evaluation with the best laser eye surgery doctor in NYC for you and your family.