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Retina

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RETINA

The retina is a vital layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. It consists of light-sensitive cells that capture visual images and transmit them to the brain through the optic nerve, enabling vision. The retina converts light into electrical signals, which are then processed by the brain to create the images we see.

Retina treatments focus on managing and preserving retinal health, addressing conditions that affect vision and overall eye function. These treatments can include medications, laser therapy, and other non-surgical interventions designed to stabilize or improve retinal conditions.

Have RETINA Questions? We Have Answers!

What is retina surgery?
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What is retina surgery?

Retina treatments focus on preserving vision and preventing further damage by addressing a range of retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, and more. Depending on the specific condition, treatment options may include medications, laser therapy, or advanced injection therapies to reduce swelling, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and improve overall retinal health. In some cases, lifestyle modifications and close monitoring can also play a crucial role in managing retinal diseases. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to maintaining optimal vision and preventing complications.

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What are common reasons for undergoing retina surgery?

The 3 common types of Retina Treatments are:

 

  • Intravitreal Injections – A highly effective treatment for wet macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, these injections deliver medication directly into the eye to reduce swelling, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and slow disease progression.
  • Retina Laser Treatments – Ideal for diabetic retinopathy and retinal holes, laser therapy helps seal leaking blood vessels, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage to the retina, preserving vision.
  • Light Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration – A promising, non-invasive option that uses photobiomodulation therapy to improve cellular function in the retina, potentially slowing the progression of dry AMD and protecting your eyesight.

 

Who performs retina treatments?

Retina surgery is performed by ophthalmologists who have received specialized training in vitreoretinal treatments. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and surgically treating complex retinal conditions.

When is it a good time to get retina surgery?

Patients with conditions requiring retina surgery, such as pars plana vitrectomy, macular hole repair, epiretinal membrane peels, or retinal detachment repairs, will be referred to a retina specialist for surgical evaluation and treatment, either on or off the island.

Retina treatments focus on preserving vision and managing retinal disorders through advanced, non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures. These treatments address conditions affecting the retina, macula, and vitreous humor—key components of the eye responsible for sharp and clear vision.

The retina plays a crucial role in eyesight, converting light into neural signals that are transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve. When retinal conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal holes develop, they can impact vision and overall eye health. Fortunately, modern retina treatments can help slow disease progression, protect the retina, and, in some cases, restore vision clarity.

Retina treatments

Retina Treatments: A Modern Approach

Intravitreal Injections: Targeted Treatment for Retinal Diseases

Intravitreal injections are a leading treatment for retinal conditions caused by abnormal blood vessel growth or fluid leakage. These injections deliver powerful medications, such as anti-VEGF drugs (Eylea, Lucentis, Avastin) or steroids, directly into the eye to reduce retinal swelling and inflammation, prevent abnormal blood vessel growth, and slow vision loss. In some cases, they can even improve visual clarity.

 Laser treatments use focused light energy to target damaged areas of the retina, preventing further deterioration. Common types include:

  • Focal Laser Therapy – Seals leaking blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy.
  • Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) – Reduces abnormal blood vessel growth in advanced diabetic retinopathy.
  • Laser Retinopexy – Seals small retinal holes to prevent detachment. By stabilizing retinal conditions, laser therapy helps protect vision and prevent complications.

We are excited to introduce the Valeda Light Delivery System, an FDA-approved photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for dry macular degeneration—one of the leading causes of vision loss in individuals over 50.

What Is The Valeda Light Delivery System For Macular Degeneration?

A Breakthrough in Dry AMD Treatment

Best for: Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

We are excited to introduce the Valeda Light Delivery System, an FDA-approved photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for dry macular degeneration—one of the leading causes of vision loss in individuals over 50.

How Valeda Works

Valeda uses red and infrared light wavelengths to stimulate the mitochondria in retinal cells, enhancing cellular metabolism, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting the health and survival of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

Clinical Evidence & Results

The LIGHTSITE III trial demonstrated that Valeda treatment led to:

  • Improved visual acuity, with patients gaining an average of one line on the ETDRS vision chart
  • Reduced drusen deposits, which are linked to AMD progression
  • Slowed geographic atrophy (GA) progression, helping preserve vision
Treatment Process

Valeda treatment involves a series of nine sessions over three to five weeks, such as three times a week for three weeks. Each session lasts approximately 10-15 minutes and is painless, with no need for pupil dilation. Maintenance treatments are recommended every four months.

Who Can Benefit from Valeda?

This treatment is best for patients with dry AMD, particularly those with drusen or non-central geographic atrophy. It is not recommended for those with wet AMD or advanced central GA.

NOTE: Patients with conditions requiring retina surgery, such as pars plana vitrectomy, macular hole repair, epiretinal membrane peels, or retinal detachment repairs, will be referred to a retina specialist for surgical evaluation and treatment, either on or off the island.