Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a treatment designed for the treatment of wet macular degeneration, but is also effective in other retinal conditions such as central serous retinopathy.
PDT utilizes a medication that is injected slowly into an arm vein. The medication collects and binds to abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. A low power laser beam is then used to activate the medication which then closes the abnormal blood vessels.
PDT is considered very safe. In some cases, one treatment is sufficient, but in others, multiple treatments are required. PDT can be used in conjunction with other treatments. Because the medication is activated by light, patients must avoid direct sunlight for several days following PDT, or a severe sunburn may occur.
