-
Where is PDT used?
-
How is PDT
given?
-
What
should be avoided?
-
How
often should I follow up?
-
What
are the side effects?
-
How do I get more information?
Where is PDT used?
There has been increasing use of photodynamic
therapy (PDT) to treat neovascular AMD since FDA approval in 2000. PDT has
been shown to be effective in slowing the visual deterioration associated
with some types of neovascular AMD. In addition, this treatment is well
tolerated without significant systemic adverse events. PDT relies on the
tissue presence of a photosensitizing agent or dye that is subsequently
activated by specific wavelength of light. The only such agent currently
approved is verteporfin (Visudyne).
How is PDT given?
Following the infusion of the dye, it
accumulates preferentially in areas of choroidal neovascularization (CNV),
the abnormal tissue causing visual loss in neovascular AMD. Upon
interaction with the light, the dye is transformed into an activated state
resulting in damage and sclerosis of the CNV. The dye is first infused
intravenously for 10 minutes. Fifteen minutes after the start of the
infusion, a laser light is delivered over the affected area for 83 seconds.
What should be
avoided?
It is important for patients to avoid direct
sunlight or bright light for 5 days after treatment to avoid
photosensitivity reactions. They should stay indoors during this time and
limit skin exposure with the use of long protective clothing. Sunscreen
cannot be used as a substitute since it will not prevent damage to the skin
with exposure.
How often
should I follow up?
For at least the first two years following PDT,
follow up visits are needed to determine if additional treatment needs to be
done.
What are the
side effects?
Side effects of the treatment include:
-
mild and temporary visual disturbances
-
back pain
-
photosensitivity
-
injection site reaction
-
severe allergic reaction
How do I
get more information?
|
Please call your local eye care
professional for more information.
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of the
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
-
Visit the EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic website at
EyeRepublic.com.ph.
-
Visit the Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. website at
OCP.com.ph.
-
Email
help@EyeRepublic.com.ph for
general inquiries. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
-
Place a blog
comment at the
EYE REPUBLIC Blog.
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago
Building (DSB) Units 309-310
1344 Taft
Avenue, Ermita
Manila,
1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: +63 (2)
536-2398
Trunk line: +63 (2) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Cellular line: +63 (917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct: +63 (2) 771-9253
Direct and Fax: +63 (2) 771-9254
Cellular line: +63 (917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F
Medical Arts Tower (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas
Ave.
Pasig City,
1604 Philippines
Direct and Fax: +63 (2) 632-7846
Cellular line: +63 (917) 537-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North
Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
+63 (2) 407-3883
Cellular line: +63 (917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are
closed on
Sundays and Holidays
|
|
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY information compiled by
Dr. Michael
Santos and initially uploaded on August 7, 2005. |
