Photodynamic therapy: basic principles and potential uses for the veterinary ophthalmologist

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of photochemical reactions mediated through the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light and oxygen. PDT, while now commonly used in physician ophthalmology and oncology, is uncommonly used for the veterinary ophthalmic patient. It is an emerging new therapy in veterinary ophthalmology for the treatment of periocular tumors. This article reviews the basic principles of PDT to provide the veterinary ophthalmologic community with a succinct reference for this emerging treatment modality in our field.