Treatments for AMD

Treating AMD
Be an informed eyecare consumer! If you (or your loved one) have been recently diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), make it your business to know the treatment options.

Therapies are now available to treat wet AMD. The AREDS formulation, high in antioxidants and zinc, may slow the advancement of dry AMD.

The options for managing AMD will depend on the type and severity of the AMD.
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Visudyne^® Therapy
Visudyne therapy is one treatment option for a specific kind of wet AMD. It brings together a light-activated drug and the use of a low-energy laser to treat abnormal blood vessels that can leak and cause vision loss. Your doctor will determine if Visudyne therapy is right for the kind of AMD that you have.
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For a copy of A Patient's Guide to AMD and Visudyne Therapy click here.
For a copy of the Spanish translation of A Patient's Guide to AMD and Visudyne Therapy click here.

Vision Support
Rehabilitative and low vision devices are other ways to help manage AMD. They can greatly enhance your ability to live more independently than you can without these devices. To find out what devices might help you, talk with your eye care professional.
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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.