Is PDT (cold laser) currently utilized in the treatment of neovascular AMD?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), often referred to as "cold laser" therapy, was once a common method used for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The treatment involves the use of a light-sensitive drug, such as verteporfin, which accumulates in the abnormal blood vessels of the retina. Once the drug is activated by a specific wavelength of light, it results in localized damage to those vessels, leading to reduction in leakage and subsequent vision preservation.

However, over the years, the landscape of treatment options for neovascular AMD has evolved significantly. The introduction of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) agents, such as ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab, has changed the treatment paradigm due to their higher efficacy and favorable safety profiles. These medications target the underlying pathophysiology of neovascular AMD more directly and effectively than PDT.

While PDT may still be used in select circumstances, such as treatment-resistant cases or where anti-VEGF therapy is not suitable, its overall utilization has significantly declined. Therefore, stating that PDT is used "rarely" reflects the current practice as anti-VEGF therapies have become the first-line treatment for neovascular AMD, overshadowing the