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Two approved treatments are available to slow the rate of vision decline or to stop further vision loss due to wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Photodynamic Therapy
Visudyne® is the first drug therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. When activated by light from a nonthermal laser, Visudyne causes targeted local damage to the neovascular endothelium in the macula, resulting in vessel occlusion. It is suitable for the treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization.
Photodynamic therapy is a two-step process requiring administration of both drug and light. The first step is the intravenous infusion of Visudyne. The second step is the activation of Visudyne with the light from a nonthermal diode laser.
Visudyne photodynamic therapy is performed on an outpatient basis. Because patients are temporarily photosensitive, they should be warned to wear protective clothing and avoid the sun and strong indoor lighting for at least 5 days.
Photodynamic therapy may be repeated, if necessary after 3 months.
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Infusion induces temporary photosensitivity; patients should avoid exposure of skin and eyes to direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days. To prevent extravasation, care must be taken to avoid fragile hand veins in favor or larger antecubital veins.
Severe vision decrease (≥ 4 lines) was reported within 7 days in 1% to 5% of patients. Partial recovery occurs in some patients. Do not re-treat these patients until vision completely recovers to pretreatment levels and potential benefits and risks of subsequent treatment are carefully weighed.
The most frequently reported adverse events (10% to 30% incidence) were injection site reactions (including extravasation and rashes), blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and visual field defects.
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Other Treatment Options
There are other drug and laser treatments available to treat wet AMD. Consult your eyecare professional.
For More Information
For more information about Visudyne, go to:
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