Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in ophthalmology harnesses light-activated photosensitizing agents to target abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina. It's a pivotal treatment for conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and specific diabetic eye diseases. PDT involves injecting a photosensitizing drug into the bloodstream, where it accumulates in problematic vessels. When exposed to a specific light wavelength, the drug activates, selectively damaging the abnormal vessels while preserving healthy tissue. This process helps reduce leakage and stabilize vision, crucially halting further deterioration in diseases such as wet AMD. While not a cure for vision loss, PDT effectively complements treatments like anti-VEGF injections, playing a pivotal role in managing sight-threatening retinal disorders with its precise and targeted approach.