Eyecare Overview

When ocular medications are necessary, they can be delivered topically with drops or as injections around (subconjunctival) or directly into the eye (intravitreal). The choice of method depends on which area(s) of the eye are being treated and the underlying condition.

Anti-VEGF treatments are medications used to treat certain eye conditions that involve abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eye. In conditions such as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion – Anti-VEGF medications work by blocking the action of VEGF, helping to reduce blood vessel growth and leakage. Anti-VEGF therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many eye diseases and has been shown to be highly effective in improving vision and preventing vision loss in many patients. Ongoing treatments may be necessary to maintain vision improvement.

Topical treatments may be used for issues involving the front of the eye whereas injections is typically used for issues involving the vitreous and retina. Some conditions may require systemic therapy such as oral steroids, antibiotics, or diuretics.

Retinal laser is used to treat disorders that affect your retina. It is a mainstay of therapy for retinal ischemic disease such as diabetes and vein occlusion, as well as for retinal tears or detachments.

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is a laser treatment used to treat several eye conditions, most commonly diabetic retinopathy and sometimes retinal vein occlusion. The treatment involves using a laser to apply numerous small laser spots to the peripheral retina, which helps to reduce the risk of further damage or bleeding in the retina. During a PRP treatment, a doctor uses a specialized laser to apply small, scattered laser spots to the retina. These spots produce controlled scarring in the peripheral retina, which reduces the risk of bleeding and further damage to the retina caused by conditions like diabetic retinopathy. The treatment takes less than five minutes and is usually done in an outpatient setting.

PRP is effective in treating diabetic retinopathy by reducing the amount of oxygen that is required by the retina. By doing so, the laser treatment helps to reduce the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels in the retina, which can cause further damage and bleeding. The treatment may also help to reduce the risk of vision loss or blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. PRP can have some side effects, such as temporary blurred vision and mild discomfort during and after the procedure. However, the benefits of the treatment usually outweigh the risks, and it is considered a safe and effective treatment for diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.

Retina surgery is used to treat a variety of vision concerns, eye injuries, and certain diseases that affect the eye. Surgical intervention may be necessary to treat conditions such as retinal tears, detached retinas, macular pucker, macular hole, cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, diabetic retinopathy, and many other eye problems.

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the clear gel-like substance (vitreous) inside the eye is removed and replaced with a saline solution or gas bubble. This procedure is often performed to treat conditions that affect the vitreous, such as retinal detachment, macular hole, or vitreous hemorrhage. During a vitrectomy, a surgeon makes small incisions in the eye and inserts small instruments, including a cutting tool and a light, to remove the vitreous. Once the vitreous has been removed, the surgeon may use laser or other techniques to repair any damage to the retina or other structures inside the eye. In some cases, a saline solution or gas bubble may be injected into the eye to help maintain its shape while it heals.

Vitrectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the eye, and patients are typically awake during the procedure. It may take several weeks to fully recover from the surgery, during which time the eye may be sensitive and require special care. While vitrectomy is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, it does carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, and damage to other structures inside the eye. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with you and help you determine if vitrectomy is the right treatment option for your condition.