If you’re searching for a Board-certified Sarasota Retina specialist consider making an appointment at Coastal Eye Institute. Their fellowship-trained retina specialists treat diseases of the retina to preserve the vision of their patients. New treatment options for Macular Degeneration offer hope to patients. Macular Degeneration affects central vision, making tasks such as reading difficult.
The retina is the thin, delicate lining of the inside back wall of the eye and is responsible for the sensation of vision. Similar to the film of a camera, it captures focused images and sends the information via the optic nerve to the brain which processes the information. Without the retina, you would not see. The center of the retina, the macula, is used for detailed work and reading. The surrounding portion of the retina is responsible for peripheral vision. The Sarasota Retina Clinic treats diseases of the retina, including Macular Degeneration.
Thankfully there are new treatments available in the Sarasota Clinic for retina diseases such as Macular Degeneration.Careful monitoring of vision and regular eye exams are important for those with both forms of AMD. Dietary modifications are also important to help reduce the risk of dry AMD from worsening.
Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a deterioration of the macula that results in impaired central vision. AMD is the number one cause of blindness in those over age 55. Factors that increase the chance of having macular degeneration include age, fair complexion, female gender, smoking and heart disease. A large, well-designed study, AREDS (Age-Related Eye Disease Study), has concluded that high levels of dietary supplements consisting of a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene and zinc at specific concentrations may lower the risk of developing advanced stages of macular degeneration by 25% for people at high risk.
A new class of drugs, known as anti-VEGF medications, have been shown to slow and even reverse the progression of the disease in some patients. This form of therapy is designed to inhibit the unwanted blood vessel growth caused by AMD, thereby reducing leakage and bleeding. Examples of new therapies that Coastal Eye now offers include: Avastin®, Lucentis® and Eylea®.
Coastal Eye in Sarasota also treats retina issues like flashes and floaters. The vitreous is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the back of the eye in front of the retina. As the eye ages, the vitreous may detach from the retina (vitreous detachment) and cause the appearance of floaters in the vision.
The floaters created appear as dots or squiggles. When the vitreous pulls or tugs on the retina, one may see lightning flashes. The pull of the vitreous can sometimes cause holes in the retina and can lead to a retinal detachment. If you develop new flashes or floaters or a shadow blocking your peripheral vision, an eye exam is necessary to check for a retinal tear or detachment promptly.
Make an appointment at Coastal Eye in Sarasota for a retina evaluation by calling 941-748-1818