Retina

Age-Related Macular Degeneration:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60, affecting approximately 30% of people over the age of 75. AMD is a deterioration or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details and perform activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Read more on Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Diabetic Retinopathy:
In the US, more than 22 million people suffer from diabetes mellitus. If you have diabetes, your body does not use and store sugar properly. High blood sugar levels create changes in the veins, arteries, and capillaries that carry blood throughout the body. Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, the layer in back of the eye that senses light and helps to send images to the brain. Damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy. Read more on Diabetic Retinopathy
Detached and Torn Retina:
A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that usually causes blindness unless treated. The appearance of flashing lights, floating objects, or a gray curtain moving across the field of vision are all indications of a retinal detachment. If any of these occur, see an eye doctor right away. Retinal tears can lead to a retinal detachment. Fluid vitreous, passing through the tear, lifts the retina off the back of the eye like wallpaper peeling off a wall. Laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing) are often used to seal retinal tears and prevent detachment. Read more on Detached and Torn Retina
Photodynamic Therapy with Visudyne:
Prior to the development of anti-VEGF medications, this was a commonly used treatment for macular diseases, especially age-related macular degeneration. We offer this treatment for those patients unresponsive to anti-VEGF therapy, and for several other macular disorders. This treatment requires pupil dilation; Visudyne is delivered by IV infusion followed by low-intensity application of laser energy to the retina. Protection from ultraviolet rays is required for twenty four hours after treatment.
Anti-VEGF Treatment: Recent breakthroughs in the understanding of retinal disease mechanisms have led to exciting new treatments for such retinal conditions as age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic retinopathy. Avastin and Lucentis are related medications that are delivered by intravitreal injection to treat these disorders. Pupil dilation is required, and multiple treatments are often required.
Laser Treatment:
Various lasers are used for many ocular conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal holes and tears. Dilation is required and the procedure is typically pain free.