Retina Laser Treatment in Pune

Common Conditions Treated by Medical Retina Services

Medical Retina services cover a variety of retinal disorders, including:

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):

   • AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
   • Treatment may include anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) injections to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and slow disease progression.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy:

   • Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages retinal blood vessels, potentially leading to vision loss if untreated.
   • Treatments may include laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or corticosteroids to manage swelling and prevent blood vessel damage.

3. Retinal Vein Occlusion:

   • Retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein in the retina is blocked, leading to fluid leakage and swelling.
   • Treatment options include injections (anti-VEGF or steroids) and laser treatments to reduce swelling and restore blood flow.

4. Central Serous Retinopathy:

   • This condition causes fluid buildup under the retina, often due to stress or other risk factors, and may resolve on its own but sometimes requires treatment.
   • Photodynamic therapy or medication can help in persistent cases.

5. Hereditary Retinal Diseases:

   • Conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, which are genetically inherited and lead to progressive vision loss, may be monitored and managed with emerging therapies.

6. Macular Edema and Macular Hole:

   • Conditions affecting the macula and causing fluid buildup (edema) or structural damage (macular hole) are treated to restore central vision.
   • Treatments often include injections or laser therapies, depending on the underlying cause.

Diagnostic Tools in Medical Retina Services

Advanced diagnostic tools are used to assess retinal health and determine the most effective treatment approach:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution images of retinal layers to detect swelling, fluid buildup, or other structural changes.
• Fundus Photography: Captures images of the retina to document and monitor disease progression over time.
• Fluorescein Angiography (FA): Uses a dye to highlight blood vessels, allowing for the detection of blockages, leakage, or abnormal vessel growth.
• Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICG): A specialized angiography technique to visualize blood flow in deeper retinal layers, often used for diagnosing certain types of AMD.
• OCT Angiography (OCTA): Non-invasive imaging to evaluate blood flow in the retina and identify areas of reduced circulation.

Common Treatments Offered

Medical Retina services focus on non-surgical treatments, including:

1. Intravitreal Injections:

   • Anti-VEGF injections (e.g., Avastin, Eylea, Lucentis) are commonly used to treat AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions with abnormal blood vessel growth.
   • Steroid injections may be administered for conditions with inflammation or edema.

2. Laser Treatments:

   • Focal Laser: Targets specific areas of the retina to reduce fluid leakage in diabetic retinopathy.
   • Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP): Used for severe diabetic retinopathy, PRP laser therapy treats large portions of the retina to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth.
   • Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Combines a light-sensitive drug with a low-energy laser to treat abnormal blood vessels, often used in AMD.

3. Observation and Monitoring:

   • Some retinal conditions, particularly those in early stages, may only require close observation with periodic exams and imaging to monitor for progression.

4. Emerging Therapies:

   • Gene therapy and stem cell treatments are currently under research and are showing potential for hereditary retinal diseases and other complex conditions.

When to See a Medical Retina Specialist

Symptoms that may warrant a referral to a Medical Retina specialist include:

• Sudden vision loss or changes in central vision
• Distortion in vision (straight lines appearing wavy)
• Dark spots, floaters, or flashes of light in the field of vision
• Blurred or dim vision that persists
• Difficulty seeing at night or reduced color vision

Goals of Medical Retina Services

Medical Retina services aim to prevent disease progression, improve vision quality, and support patients with retinal conditions. Through early detection and advanced treatments, many retinal conditions can be managed effectively, preserving vision and enhancing quality of life.