Photodynamic therapy uses a light-activated dye (Verteporfin) and a special non-thermal laser. The dye is injected into your arm and concentrates in abnormal blood vessels within the eye. When the laser is shone at the abnormal blood vessels, the dye is activated and the abnormal blood vessels are destroyed, leaving the overlying retina undamaged.  Initially photodynamic therapy was used for age-related macular degeneration, but it is less commonly used for this now.  However, it is still useful in the management of other eye conditions such as central serous chorioretinopathy.

The procedure takes about 20 minutes and may need to be repeated.

PDT is relatively painless and you are advised to wear dark glasses and stay indoors for 48 hours after the procedure.