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The Retina is a subspecialty of ophthalmology concerned with disorders of the back of the eye, many of which may have very serious visual consequences if left untreated. Some of the more common disorders a retina specialist will treat are Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), Diabetic Eye disease, retinal detachments, and vascular disease of the retina. At Ophthalmology Associates, our retinal specialists have at their disposal the most modern complement of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment available. We are proud to provide digital angiography/photography. We also provide Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) which allows our retina specialists to view your retina as if looking at a cross section under a microscope. We provide the full complement of laser retina eye surgery treatments for Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) and Diabetes. For qualifying patients, there is also the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials evaluating new treatments for Macular Degeneration.
The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue in the back of the eye where
light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve.
Within the center of the retina is the macula, which is responsible for
clear central vision. Retinal damage is one of the leading causes of
blindness, as this sensitive tissue is often susceptible to trauma, disease
and other damaging effects that can impair a person's vision and quality of
life.
A healthy retina is essential to maintaining clear vision and overall eye functioning. At Ophthalmology Associates, we provide comprehensive retina eye surgery treatments and prevention services for a wide range of retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic complications, retinal detachment and others.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that weakens the blood
vessels that supply nourishment to the retina (the light-sensitive lining in
the back of the eye where vision is focused). These weak vessels can leak,
swell or develop new branches, causing a loss of vision. Changes to your
vision may not be noticeable at first. But in its advanced stages, the
disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters and blind spots - and,
eventually, blindness. This damage can be irreversible. Diabetic retinopathy
is the most common diabetic eye complication and a leading cause of
blindness in American adults. Macular edema, which is leaking fluid that
causes blurred vision, often occurs with diabetic retinopathy.
The risk of diabetic retinopathy and its complications are reduced by
following your prescribed diet and medications, exercising regularly,
controlling your blood pressure, and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes.
Regular eye exams are an integral part of making sure your eyes are healthy.
Diabetic retinopathy can be detected through a dilated eye exam.
Although all damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be corrected,
patients diagnosed with the condition can be treated to slow its progression
and prevent further vision loss and reverse some changes. Treatment
modalities include laser and surgical procedures.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
is a common condition in older adults and the leading cause of vision loss
and blindness in people over the age of 65. Macular degeneration affects the
macula, the part of the retina responsible for the crisp, detailed vision
needed for reading or driving. As we age, the tissue in the eye responsible
for central vision slowly begins to deteriorate, which can significantly
affect a patient's quality of life.
Macular degeneration can be classified as either wet (neovascular) or dry
(non-neovascular). Dry macular degeneration is the more common diagnosis,
and is considered to be an early stage of the disease. This type of the
disease usually develops as a result of aging and thinning of macular
tissues and the depositing of pigment within the macula, while wet macular
degeneration is the more serious form of the disease and involves new blood
vessels developing beneath the retina.
Patients with macular degeneration may notice gradual changes to their
vision, including shadowy areas in the central vision, or fuzzy and
distorted vision. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are
several treatment options available to help patients manage symptoms and
preserve vision, including intraocular injections, photodynamic therapy,
vitamin and mineral supplements and more.
Lucentis®
Lucentis is an intraocular injection commonly used at our practice
to treat macular degeneration and other retinal conditions. Approved by the
FDA, this medication is injected directly into the eye to help patients
maintain their baseline vision and keep vision loss at a minimum. Many
patients often see an improvement in their vision from these injections as
well.
Before the medication is injected, the eye is numbed with an anesthetic eye
drop. Lucentis injections are usually administered once a month to maintain
eye health in patients with macular degeneration. The injections are very
effective in treating wet age-related macular degeneration.
Laser Retina Eye Surgery
Laser retina surgery can be used to treat a wide range of retina conditions
through minimally invasive techniques that produce precise, long-lasting
results. It can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein
occlusions, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachments and more.
Depending on the patient's condition, the laser may be used to seal leaking
blood vessels, repair tears, remove newly formed blood vessels or destroy
tumors. These procedures are performed in the doctor's office and usually
require only anesthetic eye drops to numb the area prior to treatment.
For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call
817-332-2020.
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