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Retina Treatments

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While there are over 30 types of retinal diseases such as macular edema, retinal artery occlusion, and infectious retinitis, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are the most widespread cause of blindness in America. 

AMD is a serious condition, but it has become more treatable as recently as ten years ago. As a result, our goal at Vold Vision is to put patients at ease, help them understand the most current treatment options, and work together to manage their condition. 

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What are Retinal Diseases?

With over 7 million cones, up to 150 million rods, three layers of nerve cells, and two layers of synapses – all packed into a complex membrane a half-millimeter thick, the retina is unbelievably intricate. As a result, complications with the retina are common, and often require intervention with an experienced medical professional.  

AMD, or age-related macular degeneration, is the most common cause of vision loss for people over 65.

Diabetic retinopathy, on the other hand, causes more vision loss in people under the age of 65 than any other retinal issue. In rare cases, AMD and diabetic retinopathy can cause total blindness. 

Other common conditions include retinal vascular occlusions, flashes and floaters, retinal tears and detachments, macular pucker, macular holes, vitreomacular traction, and uveitis.

After a thorough eye exam and diagnosis, many patients can use medication to start their treatment if the retinal disease has not advanced. Ultrasonography, an eye ultrasound, may be used to determine the nature of your retinal condition. 

To prevent discomfort, AMD is commonly treated with an intravitreal injection and topical anesthesia. Many medical injections can be used, providing effective results in keeping the condition at bay. 

Other forms of treatment include a scleral buckle–a silicone buckle used to treat retinal detachments directly. Another type of retinal treatment is cryotherapy–using extreme temperatures to seal any retinal tears and leaking blood vessels. 

Other conditions are treatable with surgery or Vold Vision’s laser photocoagulation with an advanced micro-pulse green diode laser, eliminating blind spots. Laser photocoagulation is commonly used to treat retinal tears, detachments, or diabetic retinopathy. 

The duration and number of appointments is dependent on the treatment you receive. Some treatments may not be able to restore already lost vision, but they can slow current deterioration of vision. 

The main benefit of treating eye disorders is focusing directly on the affected area. This focused treatment reduces side effects that could harm or affect another eye area. The most common retina diseases are AMD and diabetic retinopathy. 

At Vold Vision, we recognize the importance of catching symptoms of retina diseases for early treatment. AMD may not have any specific symptoms early in its cycle; however, as the disease progresses, you may experience:

  • The appearance of drusen–tiny yellow deposits in the retina
  • Warping of straight lines
  • Bright colors appear dull
  • Gradual or sudden vision loss
  • Darkening or blurring of central vision

If you have diabetes, you may risk developing diabetic retinopathy. Just as high blood sugar is unhealthy for the rest of your body, it can also cause damage to the blood vessels in your eyes, specifically the retina. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:

  • Swelling of the retina
  • Loss of sight
  • Dark floaters

The dark floaters come from the retina, compensating for blocked blood vessels by creating new ones. While some symptoms affect you enough to consider treatment, regular eye exams catch diseases before noticeable symptoms appear. Treatment for these diseases alleviates symptoms and prevents further damage to your retina. 

After treatments such as laser photocoagulation, you may experience some temporary blurry vision. You will need someone to take you home and help care for you during the first 24 hours to ensure a safe recovery. Different treatments have different recovery times. Discuss what your recovery process will entail during your consultation appointment. 

Follow-up appointments begin the day after your treatment. Please inform your doctor during your follow-up if you experience worsening vision, swelling, or redness to allow adequate recovery and treatment results. 

Before symptoms appear, it is essential to attend regular eye exams to prevent vision decline. Many retinal diseases do not present symptoms in the early stages, and most treatments cannot restore lost vision but slow the deterioration. 

Different treatments allow for a variety of patients. For example, the best candidates for laser photocoagulation are best for those with wet AMD and clusters of blood cells rather than scattered. To know which treatment is best for you, please schedule a consultation at Vold Vision. 

Why Should I Go to Vold Vision for Retina Treatment?

To keep your retinas healthy, Dr. Steven Vold, a nationally known authority in retinal health, brings his award-winning experience to diagnose and treat conditions of the retina. Along with our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and eye surgeons, patients who travel to Vold Vision in Northwest Arkansas receive an accurate diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. 

No matter where your retina issues take you, start the journey with Vold Vision.

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We’ll be with you every step. We focus on providing the best retinal care in Northwest Arkansas and beyond and proving that with every phone call, treatment, and visit, we treat more than the patient but you, the person.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about retinal treatments, schedule a consultation with one of the providers at Vold Vision. Throughout your entire laser vision correction journey, you will have your very own Vold liaison to assist you with any questions you have. Our patient care counselors are available by text, phone, or email and no question is too small for them to answer. To schedule a consultation, fill out the consultation request form below, or call or text (479) 442-8653.

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