Basic facts about Visudyne therapy

In April 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Visudyne therapy, the first drug treatment for a certain form of "wet" age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ask your doctor for an explanation of the different types, causes, and consequences of AMD.

In August 2001, Visudyne was also approved for the treatment of pathological myopia (a form of nearsightedness) and presumed ocular histoplasmosis (a fungal infection of the eye).

Visudyne therapy, a form of photodynamic therapy, brings together a light-activated drug (Visudyne) and the use of a non-thermal ("cold") laser. The laser activates the drug in a targeted area of the eye, producing a reaction that destroys abnormal, leaky blood vessels.
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Visudyne: Efficacy and safety results from clinical studies
Clinical studies have shown that Visudyne is safe and effective in helping to reduce the risk of vision loss in patients with wet AMD.

Studies have shown that patients who complete a full course of Visudyne therapy are more likely to preserve their vision than those who have no therapy. There is currently no therapy that will cure AMD.

Carefully following your doctor's instructions, before and after treatment, will help maximize your chances of treatment success and minimize the risk of complications.
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Sight-preservers:
Early detection and information
The real key to preserving sight, though, is early detection through regular eye exams. The sooner age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is detected, the sooner your eyecare specialist can offer treatment options—and the better those options will be.

So visit your eyecare specialist on a regular basis. And if he or she recommends Visudyne therapy, be sure to join mySight™, the FREE information-and-support program just for Visudyne patients and their loved ones.
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