Posted by Nancy on June 19, 2000 at 20:37:17:
Recently I saw the ending of a TV broadcast about a doctor in Canada performing surgery for people diagnosed with macular degeneration. According to this report, the surgical procedure has been successful. Does anyone the doctor's name, where he/she may be located in Canada and what this surgical procedure actually is?
Thank you for your help.
Nancy
Posted by Judy Prevost on June 20, 2000 at 08:03:17:
In Reply to: MD surgery in Canada posted by Nancy on June 19, 2000 at 20:37:17:
Dear Nancy,
Visudyne has been recently approved by the FDA, in both the U.S. and Canada, for use in photodynamic therapy. This light activating drug is used in conjuction with a "cool" laser to seal off leaking vessels that occur with the Wet type of MD. This procedure is not a cure, but temporarily stops further vision loss for a period of time. It does not destroy healthy tissue as the old "hot" laser did, so it is considered safe for repeated treatments.
For complete information about PDT, as well as current research, please visit the library on the MD Support web site, linked below. You will find the library under the MD Community Directory on the opening page.
Most ophthalmologists in Canada will be performing this surgery, on an out-patient basis, for patients with the Wet(neovascularization) type of MD. It is not used for people with the Dry type.
Best regards,
Judy Prevost, Co-Owner MDList
MD Support

By mypinson on Sunday, September 28, 2003 - 09:41 pm:

I have the dry type of MD. What type of treatments or surgeries are available for this type of MD. I am at a loss as to what can be done for me before I go completely blind. I seem to get no answers from my ophthalmologist, only to tell me that "There is nothing we can do for you and you need to think of your quality of life." If there is anything you can tell me it would be very helpful. Thank you. Marie