Florida Retina Institute
As per the CDC, diabetes can lead to eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma, potentially causing vision loss. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for preserving eyesight. Loss of vision can be devastating. The Florida Retina Institute in Lake Mary, equipped with the most recent advances, including state-of-the-art equipment to support diagnostics and treatments, and employing cutting-edge techniques, is committed to providing the highest quality vision care. Four renowned doctors share their excitement for the latest advancements and techniques in treating vision loss.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of permanent vision loss in individuals aged 65 and above, while diabetes takes the forefront for those under 65, as explained by Matthew A. Cunningham, MD, FASRS.
Nisarg P. Joshi, MD, points out that spontaneous retinal detachments can occur independently, often affecting those who are very nearsighted. Injuries, such as getting poked in the eye, experiencing a severe fall, or being involved in a car accident, can also induce this condition.
Jaya B. Kumar, MD, FASRS, further highlights that age-related macular degeneration has a hereditary component and is influenced by environmental factors, with smoking increasing the risk.
Reflecting on the historical treatment landscape, Elias C. Mavrofrides, MD, notes the limited options available to patients in the past. However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon.
Clinical trials have introduced a medication called Vabysmo, which can stabilize vision for up to three months between injections, reducing the treatment frequency compared to the previous monthly injections.
New long-lasting medications, surgical procedures allowing the body to produce its own protective retinal medication, and advancements in gene therapy have ushered in a new era. Beside these treatments, significant strides have been made in monitoring and diagnostic tools, fortifying early detection and sparking a sense of hope for the future.
Prevention, as underscored by the doctors, is crucial in mitigating vision loss. Dr. Jaya B. Kumar emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant for any changes in vision, including spots and distortions in lines. Regular eye exams with dilation can aid in diagnosing conditions beyond normal age-related vision loss, making early detection paramount.
Dr. Nisarg P. Joshi stresses the importance of taking care of overall health, especially in the case of diabetes, which often exhibits mild symptoms
in its early stages. Many patients are diagnosed with diabetes when they present with vision problems, unaware of the underlying cause.
Dr. Matthew A. Cunningham reinforces the significance of regular follow-up appointments with eye specialists. Although many vision-related conditions may lack definitive cures, effective management and slowing down of the progression are feasible. New treatments with extended intervals between injections have lightened the burden on patients, significantly improving their quality of life.
In the world of vision loss, the triumvirate of early detection, routine eye exams, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with the foremost retina clinic and specialists doesn’t merely offer hope – it shines as a guiding light for those who might otherwise confront an obscured path ahead.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
From the American Macular Degeneration Foundation: Macular degeneration is a vision problem that affects more than 10 million Americans. It’s the leading cause of vision loss, even ahead of glaucoma and cataracts. This condition occurs when a part of the retina known as the macula sustains damage. Over time, this damage causes your vision to deteriorate slowly. There are two types of macular degeneration – wet and dry. While both will cause permanent vision loss, dry is more common and less serious. There are treatments, but no cure.