The application of antivascular photo-mediated ultrasound therapy in removing microvessels in the eye

Pathologic microvasculature plays a key role in the leading causes of blindness including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and macular degeneration. Current treatments, including laser therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy, impose significant burdens on patients, their families, and our health system because of frequent administration, and destructive nature. Using a combination of a low intensity laser concurrently with ultrasound, we developed a novel treatment, photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT), which can noninvasively remove microvessels without damaging surrounding tissue in the eye. We present the first evaluation of PUT on rabbit choroidal vessels.