Removal of tiny blood vessels requires unique approaches and new surgical instrumentation. A light activated drug is injected into the bloodstream which has the ability to concentrate in areas of neovascularization. Unlike confluent laser photocoagulation, which causes concurrent damage to other healthy areas of the retina, photodynamic therapy is very selective and its low-power minimizes the risk to surrounding healthy macular tissue. The synthesized drug was designed to fit into the receptor sites on the surface of cell membranes where the biochemical reaction allowing the development of the blood vessels occurs, thus inhibiting a family of enzymes known as matrix metalloproteases. In other words, it stops the development of new blood vessels.
Trials are presently underway.
The natural regeneration process of the host body re-grows normal cells as part of the healing process. Further studies are underway. Further information is available from Dr. Damon P. Millar II who specializes in this treatment. The green light of an argon laser when used at low energy levels can be used to heat rather than vaporize tissues, sort of like a welder. Kale, collard greens, and spinach are the best known natural sources of these carotenoids.