It is important to understand that this drug is not a cure. However, the rate of vision loss may be slowed down and some sight may be preserved. Unfortunately, even the most successful treatments do not preclude reoccurrence, making multiple treatments likely. In one large clinical trial, photodynamic therapy with Visudyne™ photosensitizer delayed or prevented loss of vision during at least one year follow-up in patients with predominantly classic CNV lesions. The procedure seals off leaking vessels while leaving healthy ones intact and is believed to be a major improvement over previous laser treatments. Visudyne™ therapy involves the use of a specifically-designed laser that produces the low-level, non-thermal light required to activate the drug which results in a selective destruction of the unwanted leaking vessels. The drug is then activated by shining non-thermal laser light into the patient’s eye. First, Visudyne™ is injected intravenously into the patient’s arm. Visudyne™ therapy is a two-step procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. Laser photocoagulation was followed by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Visudyne™ (a drug injected intravenously and used to help direct the laser to the affected area). For eligible eyes with CNV in extrafoveal, juxtafoveal and subfoveal locations, laser treatment reduced the risk of severe visual loss. Each affected eye was randomly assigned to either laser treatment or observation. Between 19, the Macular Photocoagulation Study Group conducted a number of clinical trials that enrolled patients with CNV lesions ( Choroidal Neovascularization) in one or both eyes. The earliest treatment was Laser Photocoagulation. Until recently the only available treatment to seal leaking blood vessels associated with wet AMD was with a laser. Treatments for Wet AMD: Laser Photocoagulation If AMD is further advanced but still dry, supplements are prescribed, to add higher quantities of certain vitamins and minerals which may increase healthy pigments and support cell structure. The treatment for early dry AMD is generally nutritional therapy, with a healthy diet high in antioxidants to support the cells of the macula. Promising treatments, described below, depend upon the stage of disease progression. Macular degeneration treatment breakthroughs inspire hope that someday we may see a cure to this disease.
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