An Overview of Retinal Treatments: From Surgery to Injections
The retina is a layer inside the eye that detects light and converts it into signals for the brain. It is crucial for vision. Several retinal conditions can damage the retina and lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Depending on the condition and its severity, treatment options include eye injections, surgery, and laser treatments.
Intravitreal Injections
Retina specialists use intravitreal injections to insert medications directly into the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball. Intravitreal injections are highly effective and safe and are used to treat a wide range of conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular occlusions, and more.
Vitrectomy and Scleral Buckle
A vitrectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure involving partial or complete removal of the vitreous from the back of the eye. Vitrectomies can remove obstructions from the eye, such as displaced lenses, or scar tissue. The removal of this scar tissue benefits conditions such as macular holes and puckers.
A scleral buckle is a surgical procedure used to treat retinal detachment, a vision-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. During this procedure, a retina specialist implants a band around the impaired eye, placing pressure on it so that the retina is secured to its normal location along the back wall of the eye.
Laser Surgery (Photocoagulation)
Laser photocoagulation is frequently used to treat retinal tears. In this procedure, a retina specialist uses a medical laser to create small burns around the tear in the retina. These burns form small scars that seal the tear and hold the retina in place.
Freeze Treatment (Cryopexy)
A retina specialist may use a freezing probe to create scars in the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye, to repair tears and hold the retina in place. Numbing medication is used, but patients may feel some cold and pressure during the procedure. After treatment, the doctor may prescribe special eye drops to help prevent the eye from swelling while it heals. Overall, cryopexy is a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment for retinal tears.
Learn More About Retinal Treatments
The retina plays a pivotal role in how we see the world around us. Treatments such as intravitreal injections, vitrectomies, scleral buckles, laser photocoagulation, and cryopexy can address various retinal conditions and help slow or prevent vision loss. At Southeastern Retina Associates, we use advanced retinal treatments to help patients preserve their vision. If you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about your retina, please see your regular eye doctor as soon as possible and they may refer you to one of our offices. We see patients in Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Tri-Cities, and more.