Visudyne
Visudyne
Visudyne (pronounced vi-SU-dyne), also known as verteporfin (pronounced ver-TEP-or-fin), is a medication used in the treatment of certain eye conditions, specifically age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pathological myopia.
Pronunciation
- Visudyne: vi-SU-dyne
- Verteporfin: ver-TEP-or-fin
Etymology
The name "Visudyne" is a brand name, likely derived from the Latin "visus" meaning "sight" and the Greek "dyne" meaning "power". "Verteporfin" is the generic name, derived from the Latin "verte" meaning "to turn" and "porfin", a reference to the porphyrin chemical group which is a key component of the drug.
Usage
Visudyne is used in a procedure known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). The drug is injected into the patient's bloodstream and is activated by light of a specific wavelength. This activation causes the drug to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye, helping to slow the progression of conditions like AMD and pathological myopia.
Related Terms
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A medical condition which may result in blurred or no vision in the center of the visual field.
- Pathological myopia: A condition characterized by severe, progressive nearsightedness caused by the excessive elongation of the eyeball.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): A treatment that uses light-sensitive medication and a light source to destroy abnormal cells.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Visudyne include blurred vision, injection site reactions, and increased sensitivity to light. More serious side effects can include severe vision loss, chest pain, and allergic reactions.
Precautions
Patients should avoid direct sunlight, bright indoor light, and tanning beds for five days after treatment with Visudyne. The drug can make the skin and eyes more sensitive to light.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Visudyne
- Wikipedia's article - Visudyne
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