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We offer an extensive ophthalmic surgical network of brands with offices throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey. Our centers provide innovative surgical solutions partnered with ophthalmology practices to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients. OOMC is pleased to provide the highest level of expertise in the ophthalmic treatment space.
Understanding and treating your retinal disease
Retinal diseases affect your retina, the thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of your eye. Your retina sends visual information to your brain through your optic nerve. Most retina degeneration and disease can be diagnosed by an annual eye examination, where the pupil is dilated. An optometrist can determine whether a retinal condition or other eye disorder may be affecting your vision and then work with our surgical team to work on a plan for treatment. Dr. Strauss is on call for all emergency cases and to treat patients experiencing diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
There are many different types of retinal disease but the four main types are outlined below.
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. When sugar builds within blood vessels in the retina, it attaches to the proteins in the wall and alters the vessel’s normal functioning. Long term diabetic retinopathy can lead to visual loss and blindness.
Macular Degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD), affects the Macula, or center of the retina. The macula helps us see fine details clearly, controls our central vision and allows us to read, drive a car and recognize faces or colors. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness for Americans over the age of 60 and occurs in two forms: Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration.
When you have a floater, you’ll see specks, circles or lines that can obstruct your vision. While they seem to be in front of your eye, they are floating inside and can often be seen when looking at a plain background like a wall. These vitreous cell clusters float inside your eye, and often fade or disappear on their own, and rarely require surgery. Those who are at higher risk to develop include those who are nearsighted or who have had cataract surgery. If you are experiencing flashes or floaters it’s important to seek a consultation from an eye doctor.
As we get older, the vitreous may shrink and pull on the retina. Sometimes fluid inside the vitreous casts shadows on the retina, so you see small dots, specks, strings or clouds moving in your field of vision. These floaters can often be a sign that the retina is detached and can result in blurry vision or eventual blindness.
Treatment for retinal diseases vary, so we’ll work together to determine what’s best, and better manage your diagnosis.
We’re committed to making the latest technology available to you when you visit Phillips.
We frequently combine treatments when required, saving you time, and sometimes money, in the long run.
You’ll always feel like family here, and your family will always be comfortable here in our waiting room while you go through your procedure.
When treating your specific retinal disease, there are options available. The right treatment plan will be customized based on the results of your consultation and these treatment options.
A surgeon will perform pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling to treat a complex retinal detachment. For PPV a surgeon removes or replaces vitreous gel from the eye through the pars plana. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries. The scleral buckle procedure is where a retinal surgeon stitches a silicone material to the outside of the eye when there’s a retinal detachment, which buckles the sclera and causes a decrease in the circumference of the eye and re-attaches the retina. An injection of gas may also be necessary, along with a laser to seal the retinal tears, and the vitreous cavity may then be filled with a medical gas or silicone oil to help with healing.
A surgeon will perform a vitrectomy as treatment for macular hole repair. The vitreous gel is removed, and replaced with a mix of air and gas. This mixture puts pressure on the edges of the macular hole and helps it heal. Sometimes, the patient can develop a cataract post procedure, which can be treated during an additional surgery.
An ERM occurs when fibro cellular membranes form on the inner surface of the retina. They can usually be monitored during routine eye exams but can sometimes result in painless loss of vision and visual distortion. If the vision becomes distorted enough, the membrane can be removed from the back of the eye by a skilled retinal surgeon. Sometimes, the patient can develop a cataract post procedure, which can be treated during an additional surgery.
Small retinal holes or tears may form within the retina, and may not be associated with any symptoms; however, symptoms such as flashing lights and floating spots are not uncommon. Treatment of these is often necessary to prevent larger issues like retinal detachment from developing. These are often treated in the office with either laser or cryo (freezing) procedures
This laser procedure provides patients with a non-invasive approach when traditional surgery isn’t an option. Our innovative laser technology is applied only to the outside of the eye, and used to lower eye pressure within the structure of the eye and lower pressure to the eye overall.
A surgeon can inject intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs and steroids to reduce fluid leakage and bleeding for conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Injectable antibiotic, anti-fungal and antiviral drugs are also used to treat patients with infections in the eye such as endophthalmitis and retinitis.
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of retinal disease and their treatment options, visit the retinal treatment page on our parent website.
For questions regarding our practice or general inquires contact us here.
