Name of the Procedure:

Destruction of localized lesion of choroid (e.g., choroidal neovascularization); photodynamic therapy (includes intravenous infusion)
Common Name(s): Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Choroidal Neovascularization

Summary

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat abnormal blood vessels in the eye, specifically those found in the choroid layer. This involves using a photosensitizing drug and a special light to target and destroy the neovascularization.

Purpose

Medical Condition: Choroidal neovascularization, often associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Goals/Outcomes: To halt or slow the progression of vision loss by destroying the abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions:

• Sudden or progressive vision loss
• Distorted vision (metamorphopsia)
• Diagnosis of choroidal neovascularization through imaging

Patient Criteria:

• Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other conditions causing choroidal neovascularization.
• Candidates suitable for intravenous infusion.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• No specific fasting required.
• Avoid sun exposure before and after the procedure due to increased photosensitivity.
• Temporary discontinuation of photosensitizing medications if applicable.

Diagnostic Tests:

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify and evaluate the lesion.

Procedure Description

1. Intravenous Infusion: A photosensitizing drug (e.g., Verteporfin) is injected into the patient's bloodstream.
2. Activation: The drug travels to the blood vessels in the eye. A low-intensity laser light is then directed onto the abnormal blood vessels for about 90 seconds.
3. Destruction: The light activates the drug, producing a reaction that destroys the abnormal blood vessels while sparing healthy tissue.

Tools/Equipment: Intravenous catheter, photosensitizing drug, laser light source

Anesthesia: Usually none required, but local anesthesia for the eye may be used to enhance comfort.

Duration

Approximately 20-30 minutes.

Setting

Performed in an outpatient clinic or office setting with specialized ophthalmologic equipment.

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist
• Nurse or medical assistant to assist with the intravenous infusion and preparation

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Temporary vision changes
• Increased photosensitivity to light

Rare Risks:

• Severe vision loss
• Inflammation or infection at the injection site
• Allergic reaction to the drug

Management: Close monitoring and follow-up, use of protective measures against light exposure.

Benefits

• Stabilizes or improves vision in a significant number of patients
• Minimally invasive with a short recovery time
• Targets abnormal tissue with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care:

• Avoid bright lights for at least 48 hours.
• Wear protective clothing and sunglasses outdoors.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Most patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 days, with caution regarding light exposure for a few days.

Follow-Up:

• Regular eye exams to monitor treatment effectiveness and any recurrence of symptoms.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Anti-VEGF injections
• Laser photocoagulation
• Observation with regular monitoring

Pros and Cons:

• Anti-VEGF injections may be more effective but require frequent treatments.
• Laser photocoagulation is less precise and can damage surrounding tissues.
• Observation allows monitoring but may delay treatment.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Mild discomfort during intravenous drug administration.
• Possibly slight warmth when the laser is applied.

After Procedure:

• Some initial blurriness or visual disturbances.
• Photosensitivity requiring careful light exposure management.
• Pain managed with typical analgesics if needed.