Photodynamic therapy (PDT) laser
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a combination of a “cold” laser after an infusion of special light-sensitive dye (Verteporfin) into the arm to seal up leaking fluid in the macula. Professor Tufail may recommend PDT if your central serous chorio-retinopathy (CSCR or CSR) persists and is affecting your vision or if you if you have a dilated leaking vessels in the macula (polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy)
PDT is a simple and painless procedure that usually takes less than 15 minutes. Before the procedure you will be weighed and your height measured to calculate the correct dose of the Verteporfin dye. A cannula (tube introduced into the vein in your arm with a needle) will be inserted and you will receive the Verteporfin dye through a cannula over a period of a few minutes.
Pupil dilating drops will be placed in the eye under-going treatment. This is to allow a good view of the retina. These drops have a temporary effect to make your pupil appear larger than usual. You will noticed blurred vision in this eye for a period of two to four hours and you will notice some mild sensitivity to light while the drops have an effect. You should not drive while you still have dilated pupils. Anaesthetic eyedrops are administered to the eye that is being treated to numb the surface of the eye. You will sit at a similar microscope to the one that is used when we examine your eyes. You will rest your chin on the chin rest and head against the bar. After a specific period of 3-5 minutes depending on the treatment required, you will have a special contact lens placed onto your eye to focus the laser beam onto the affected area of the retina.
If you’d like to know more about this treatment, or think that you may benefit from a consultation, please get in touch here.