Visudyne

Visudyne (also known as Verteporfin) is a medication used in the treatment of certain types of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), pathologic myopia, and ocular histoplasmosis. It is a type of photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT).

History

Visudyne was approved by the FDA in the United States in 2000. It was the first drug approved for the treatment of wet AMD, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

Mechanism of Action

Visudyne is administered intravenously and activated by light of a specific wavelength. This activation leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, which damage the abnormal blood vessels in the retina that are associated with conditions like AMD.

Uses

Visudyne is used in the treatment of:

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Pathologic myopia
• Ocular histoplasmosis

Side Effects

Common side effects of Visudyne include:

• Injection site reactions
• Visual disturbances
• Photosensitivity reactions

Contraindications

Visudyne is contraindicated in patients with porphyria or known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

See Also

• Photodynamic therapy
• Macular degeneration
• Pathologic myopia
• Ocular histoplasmosis

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