Retinal Treatments
Because the retina is tucked away behind the eye, it is often forgotten until something goes wrong. Retinal diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness in adults and should not be taken lightly.
What can we treat?
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Central and Branch retinal vein occlusion
- Retinal tears and holes
- Retinal detachment
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Diabetic macular oedema
- Central Serous Retinopathy
- Cystoid Macular Oedema
- Macular Hole and Macular Pucker
- Epi-retinal membrane
- Complex ocular trauma
- Vitreous haemorrhage and opacity
- Retinal vascular disease
- Inherited retinal diseases
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure where a dye is used to highlight the blood vessels in the back of the eye. The fluorescent dye is safely injected into the bloodstream so doctors can photograph the retinal blood vessels.
Doctors often use these tests to confirm a diagnosis, to monitor the vessels in the eye or to determine an appropriate treatment.
Retinal laser treatments
The retinal laser is a pure, high-intensity beam of light energy. Doctors use these lasers to precisely focus onto the retina and selectively treating a designated area. Because the laser is very precise the surrounding retinal tissue remain untouched throughout the procedure. The retinal laser is used to create microscopic spots to adhere the retinal layers or stop vessel leakage or growth.
Retina laser procedures are usually painless and performed in the clinic. Common retinal laser treatments include:
Pan-retinal photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy. The laser seals and stops leakage from newly formed small blood vessels, or to stop new blood vessels from forming.
Laser for retinal tears to reattach the tear to the retina and prevent retinal detachment, which is serious and can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Photodynamic therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent in combination with a special light. When photosensitizers are exposed to the special light, they produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells.
Vitrectomy
A vitrectomy is a procedure to remove the vitreous gel from the inside of the eye. This is only necessary when the surgeon is required to carry out a procedure that cannot be performed with the fluid in its place.
The vitreous is a transparent and colourless substance which fills about two-thirds of the eye, between the lens and the retina.
Intravitreal steroid injections
Corticosteroid medication used to treat a number of retinal conditions by intravitreal injection. Treatment by intravitreal injection limits any side effects to the eye and body as compared to oral consumption of the medication.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, which is common in some retinal disorders. Diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion and post-operative macular oedema are sometimes treated with corticosteroids.
Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections
Anti-VEGF treatments have been used to treat a number of eye conditions which cause new blood vessel growth or swelling under the macula area of your retina. These conditions include Wet Age-Related Macula Degeneration, Diabetic Macular Oedema and Retinal Vein Occlusion.
Ozurdex implant
Ozurdex is a steroidal implant injected into the back of the eye. This injection is used to treat adult patients with vision loss due to diabetic macular oedema or swelling of the macula following a retinal vein occlusion.
Navigating Advanced Retinal Treatments for Australians
Retinal diseases are one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. However, there are several treatments for retinal diseases including cutting-edge therapies that can help restore and preserve vision. At PersonalEYES, our clinicians are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating retinal diseases.
The retina is the inside lining in the eyeball and is tucked away behind the eye. Because of this, it is often forgotten until issues arise. The middle of the retina is called the macular and this is the central part of your vision. There are many diseases that can affect the macula and the retina. The most common diseases include diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common macular disease in Australia, responsible for half of all blindness and severe vision loss. In fact about 1.5 million Australians have signs of AMD, which is about 17 Australians over the age of 50. The implications of untreated, retinal conditions can extend beyond vision impairment. It can significantly hinder daily activities, your independence and emotional well-being.
It is imperative for Australians, particularly those over 50 years old, to seek appropriate care for retinal issues to ensure you maintain and safeguard your vision. Soughting diagnoses, intervention and management of retinal conditions are important to preserving visual acuity and preventing further deterioration. Ignoring early warning signs or delaying treatment can lead to irreversible vision loss and a reduced quality of life. So it’s important to care for your eyes and seek treatment when needed.
Common Retinal Conditions in Australia
There are many retinal conditions that are treatable and our team of specialists at PersonalEYES diagnose and perform treatments for the following conditions: Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Central and Branch retinal vein occlusion, Retinal tears and holes, Retinal detachment, Diabetic Retinopathy, Diabetic macular oedema, Central Serous Retinopathy, Cystoid Macular Oedema, Macular Hole and Macular Pucker, Epi-retinal membrane. Complex ocular trauma, Vitreous haemorrhage and opacity, Retinal vascular disease, Inherited retinal diseases and Retinopathy of Prematurity.
The most common types of retinal diseases, diabetic eye disease and macular degeneration, I have a growing concern and highlight the importance of regular eye examinations and timely interventions. Age related macular degeneration is affecting more and more Australians as the number of elderly people is projected to rise. Likewise with diabetic retinopathy, which affects those with diabetes and its fluctuating sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to impaired vision or blindness, is also on the rise.
Retinal detachment is another significant condition of retinal diseases that can cause sudden and severe vision loss. This disease occurs when the retina detaches from the underlying tissue and can cause sudden flashes of light, floating specs, and a shadow over the field of vision. Retinal detachment can lead to irreversible vision impairment, if left untreated.
Exploring Advanced Retinal Treatments
There are several different types of retinal treatments we use to help diagnose and treat retinal diseases. These include: fluorescein angiography, retinal laser treatments, photodynamic therapy, vitrectomy, intravitreal steroid injections, intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and ozurdex implant.
Fluorescein angiography is a procedure used to diagnose and monitor retinal diseases. A fluorescent dye is safely injected into the bloodstream so doctors can photograph the retinal blood vessels and determine if treatment is needed.
Retinal laser treatments or focal laser photocoagulation are a pure, high-intensity beam of light energy used to treat breaks or tears in the retina as well as macular edema. Retinal tears are caused by eye injuries, severe near-sightedness, diabetes or ageing, and can lead to detachment of the retina. Macular edema is condition whereby the macular is swollen and inflamed as the blood vessels connected to the retina become diseased and leak. Retinal laser treatment is a very precise procedure to target the retina and designated area without damaging surrounding retinal tissue. The retinal laser is used to create microscopic spots to stick the retinal layers or stop vessel leakage or growth.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment that uses a photosynthesizing agent combined with a special light, producing a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells.
Vitrectomy is a procedure to remove vitreous gel from the inside of the eye and is replaced with another solution. This procedure is only required if a surgeon is unable to carry out a procedure with the fluid in place. There are several eye conditions that may require a vitrectomy including diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreous haemorrhage, infection inside your eye, severe eye injury, hole in the macula, a wrinkle in the macula or problems after cataract surgery.
Intravitreal steroid injections are used to administer corticosteroid medication to treat a number of eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and uveitis. The injected corticosteroid medication helps to limit any side effects compared to oral consumption of the medication.
Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are used to treat several eye conditions which cause new blood vessel growth or swelling under the macula area of your retina.
Ozurdex implant is a steroid injected into the back of the eye and used to treat adult patients with vision loss due to diabetic macular oedema or swelling of the macula, following a retinal vein occlusion.
Choosing a specialist
For retinal health care, selecting the right specialist is an essential step towards optimal care and outcomes for your eyes. It’s important to consider choosing a retinal specialist like PersonalEYES with the right expertise, experience and the most advanced technology to deliver the best possible results.
The vast number of retinal issues demands a practitioner who is well equipped for the delicate intricacies of these conditions and is up to date with the latest advancements in treatments. As you embark on your research in finding the right specialist for you, consider factors such as their qualifications, training, track record in successfully treating retinal conditions and patient reviews.
It’s also important to seek a specialist with strong communication and rapport to foster a collaborative approach that’s tailored to your specific needs. By choosing a specialist who is dedicated to providing the highest level of care, you are taking proactive steps towards caring and preserving your visual well-being.