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+ Larger Font / - Smaller Font Your physician may order specialized treatments for your condition. Explanations for the most common treatments are outlined below. Avastin Lucentis Laser Surgery Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Pneumatic Retinopexy Scleral Buckling Vitrectomy Avastin AVASTIN is a new off-label medication for patients with neovascular or wet age related macular degeneration, retinal edema and other diseases caused from vein occlusions and leakages. AVASTIN treats the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels. AVASTIN was not initially developed to treat eye conditions. Based upon the results of clinical trials that demonstrated its safety and effectiveness, Avastin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. As a condition of approval, the manufacturer produced a "label" explaining the indications, risks, and benefits. The label explains that Avastin works by blocking a substance known as VEGF. Blocking or inhibiting VEGF helps prevent further growth of the blood vessels that the cancer needs to continue growing. Lucentis The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved LUCENTIS for the treatment of patients with neovascular or wet macular degeneration. LUCENTIS was specifically developed for intraocular use. It has been developed to treat the underlying cause of wet macular degeneration by targeting the molecular pathway that controls the formation of new blood vessels. LUCENTIS is designed to bind and inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that is believed to play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels. VEGF has been shown to lead to wet macular degeneration progression and central vision loss. LUCENTIS is a series of injections given into the eye every four weeks. Your physician will tell you how long you will need to receive the injections. Laser Surgery This procedure uses a high energy beam to destroy the defective, leaky blood vessels. This beam is aimed directly onto those defective blood vessels to destroy them, preventing further damage to the retina and loss of vision. However, the beams can also destroy healthy tissue surrounding the defective blood vessels. This generally involves the peripherial or outer region of the retina. Some slight discomfort can occur with this surgery. Most people are able to tolerate this surgery without difficulties. It takes approximately 30 minutes and can be performed at the office.  Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) This procedure requires several steps to complete. A drug called Verteporfin is injected into the veins of the arm. This medicine travels throughout the body, including the retina. It "sticks" to the surface of the new defective vessels formed in the eye. When a special light is shined on the retina, the medication is activated and destroys those blood vessels. Fortunately, this medication does not destroy healthy tissue. Because the medication is activated by light, it is important that direct sunlight or bright indoor light is avoided for five days following the treatment. There is little discomfort with this procedure. It takes approximately 20 minutes and is performed at the office. Injections: Certain eye conditions will respond to medications injected directly into the eye. These injections will be given at the office. They are generally painless and well tolerated by most. There is a small risk for increased pressure inside the eye and infections. Pneumatic Retinopexy If a retina tear or detactment occurs, there are several options for treatment. Pneumatic Retinopexy is one option. A gas bubble is injected into the inside of the eye. After the gas is injected, the head must stay in a specific position so the bubble will rise to the area effected. This pushes the retina back to it's proper place along the wall and allows it to reattach of time. This procedure can be performed in the office.  Surgical Treatments: Scleral Buckling This is a surgical treatment option for retinal detactments. A flexible band, or scleral buckle, is placed around the eye. This lessens the pulling effect on the retina. It is generally combined with laser surgery and cryotherapy. This surgery is generally performed in the outpatient hospital setting. After a short recovery time, patients are able to go home and followed up in the office the next day. Vitrectomy Some eye conditions require repair or removal of material from within the eye; e.g., hemorrhages, internal membrane, floaters, etc. Very small instruments are temporarily placed in the eye. These instruments allow the physician to perform the necessary tasks to allow your vision to improve. This procedure is generally performed in an outpatient hospital setting. After a short recovery time, patients are able to go home and followed up in the office the next day.  West Texas Retina Consultants Sunil S. Patel, M.D., Ph.D. S. Young Lee, M.D. 5441 Health Center Dr. Abilene, Texas 79606 800-810-7411 325-673-9806 info@westtexasretina.com |
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