Patent ID: 7941211
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: A61F,A61K,A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for treating unwanted retinal blood vessel growth in a patient in need of such treatment, comprising the following steps: for at least a week prior to photodynamic therapy, orally administering at least 10 milligrams of zeaxanthin per day to the patient so as to increase macular pigment density in said patient, the zeaxanthin being provided in the form of the 3R-3R stereoisomer of zeaxanthin; prior to photodynamic therapy and after the oral administration of the zeaxanthin for a week, treating the patient with a second agent selected from the group consisting of anti-angiogenesis drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs, the treatment with the second agent being separate from the oral administration of the zeaxanthin; and, subjecting the patient to photodynamic therapy using a drug that is activated by a light source.