Prevention of Blindness Society...

MACULAR DEGENERATION

NETWORK NEWS

MAY 2000

Treatment of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a type of photodynamic therapy -  Visudyne - for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Based on clinical trails, Visudyne therapy has been proven to be an effective sight-saving treatment. 

Wet AMD is the most severe form of macular degeneration, leading to a rapid loss of central vision in as little as two months to three years.  In wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels begin to grow beneath the retina.  These blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the macula and if left untreated, the fluid and blood damages the macula, causing a rapid loss of central vision.  This new therapy will prevent rapid and severe vision loss for thousands of newly diagnosed patients with wet AMD.

Photodynamic therapy involves the use of a light-activating drug called Visudyne that targets abnormal blood vessels.  Once the drug is administered, a surgeon directs a “cool” laser to the blood vessels.  The cool laser stimulates the light-activating drug, which destroys the leaky, abnormal blood vessels with minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. 

It is important to note that Visudyne therapy cannot restore lost vision.  Early diagnosis and treatment of wet AMD is critical.

Photodynamic therapy should be available to eye care professionals in the next few weeks.  The Prevention of Blindness Society suggests that you consult your retinal specialist to see if Visudyne could be helpful for you.

© 2000 Prevention of Blindness Society of the Metropolitan Area, Washington, DC. All Rights Reserved.