About AMD
What You Need to Know About Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Knowledge can be a powerful ally in your fight for sight. Understanding AMD and its treatment can help you get the most out of therapy.

AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. Yet only about 1 in 5 Americans knows about this disease that can potentially cause legal blindness.

AMD is a disease of the retina. It is a progressive disease that damages the macula. The macula is the specialized area of the central retina that is located at the back of the eye and is responsible for central vision. Central vision is the detailed vision that is important to daily activities such as reading and driving.

There are 2 types of AMD, commonly known as dry AMD and wet AMD. The disease can affect everyday activities such as recognizing faces, reading, and driving a car. In its more severe forms, AMD can cause permanent central vision loss, leaving only the side vision intact.Learn more

AMD—Common, but Not Inevitable
About 20 to 25 million people worldwide are affected by AMD, and the number is expected to triple over the next 25 years. Overall, more than 1.75 million Americans 40 years of age and older suffer from late-stage AMD. Another 7.3 million Americans are at serious risk for vision loss from AMD. As the population ages, more people are at risk for vision loss due to eye diseases, including AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts.

As common as AMD is, it isn't an inevitable part of growing older. There are steps people can take now to help prevent AMD and other steps they can take to help slow its progression and limit its severity.Learn more

Early Detection Is Key—Visit Your Eyecare Specialist Regularly
Early detection of AMD through eye exams is the key to preserving sight. Early detection also means more treatment options and early access to low vision rehabilitation and support services.Learn more

Visudyne^® is a treatment to help slow the loss of vision in persons with predominantly classic wet AMD.

Important Safety Information

Visudyne therapy is not for everyone. People who have an abnormal sensitivity to light (a condition called porphyria) and those with allergies to any of the ingredients should not receive Visudyne. (Your doctor has a list of ingredients in Visudyne.) Check with your doctor or healthcare professional to see if you might be allergic to any component of Visudyne therapy. Only your doctor can determine if Visudyne is right for you.

Changes in vision, including blurring, decreased sharpness in vision, and gaps in vision are some of the most commonly reported side effects. Between 1% and 5% of patients experienced a substantial decrease in vision in the first 7 days after treatment, though some patients achieved partial recovery. Patients who experience substantial vision loss should consult their healthcare professional immediately. Injection site reactions and temporary back pain during injection were some of the most commonly reported side effects.

Patients should avoid direct sunlight or bright indoor light for 5 days following therapy with Visudyne.

Patients who have to go outdoors in daylight after treatment must protect all parts of their skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and dark glasses. Ultraviolet (UV) sunscreens are not effective in protecting against photosensitivity reactions.

Please see full Prescribing Information.