Eye Procedures

Intraocular Injections

Intraocular injections are commonly used to treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and retinal vein occlusion. These diseases often cause blindness and should be treated as early and as thoroughly as possible. Medications such as Lucentis, Avastin or Eylea are injected directly into the eye to help patients maintain their baseline vision and keep vision loss at a minimum. Many patients often see an improvement in their vision from these injections as well.

Intraocular injections are especially effective in treating wet age-related macular degeneration, which, although less common than the dry form, accounts for more than 90% of blindness caused by the disease.

This procedure is performed in Dr. Brown’s office and requires only a local anesthetic. Before the medication is injected, the eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops to help minimize discomfort. The eye is then cleaned with an antiseptic solution and held open with a wire speculum. The medication is then injected directly into the eye. Intraocular injections are usually administered once a month or less frequently, in order to maintain eye health in patients with degenerative eye diseases.

Patients may experience some pain or scratchy sensations after the injection. Although rare, side effects may include eye pain, conjunctival hemorrhage, floaters, increased eye pressure and inflammation of the eye. Patients can minimize the risk of these side effects by choosing a skilled and experienced doctor to treat all of their eye conditions. If you are interested in learning more about intraocular injections, please call us today to schedule an appointment.

Retinal Laser Surgery

Retinal laser surgery can be used to treat a wide range of retina conditions through minimally invasive techniques that produce precise, long-lasting results. Although your eyes may look and feel normal with these diseases, they can often lead to serious complications such as hemorrhaging and blindness. Lasers have been used to treat eye diseases for over 30 years and produce effective results with no damage to surrounding tissue and no need for needles. It has quickly become the standard for eye disease treatment.

Laser surgery can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachments and more. Depending on the patient’s condition, the laser may be used to seal leaking blood vessels, repair tears, remove newly formed blood vessels or destroy tumors. These procedures are performed in Dr. Brown’s office and require only anesthetic eye drops to numb the area prior to treatment. Laser treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform, and patients can go home immediately following surgery. Most patients return to work and other normal activities the next day.

Several laser treatments may be needed in order to achieve optimal results and to help manage chronic retinal conditions. Results may take a few weeks or months to become noticeable, so it is important to see your doctor for follow-up appointments in order to ensure that you receive the best possible results.

Retinal laser surgery is a safe procedure with virtually no restrictions and minimal risks and side effects. Some patients may experience blurring or a decrease in peripheral and night vision, but these effects are usually temporary and go away on their own after a few weeks or months. If you are interested in learning more about laser surgery for retinal disease, please speak to Dr. Brown.

Vitrectomy Surgery

The vitreous is the clear, gel-like substance that makes up the center of the eye, accounting for approximately two-thirds of the eye’s volume, giving it its shape. Because of its large, soft consistency, the vitreous is commonly affected by various diseases that may cause it to cloud, fill with blood or harden, making it difficult for light to properly reach the retina. This may lead to blurred vision, tears or other serious condition.

Patients with disease or injury to the vitreous may benefit from a vitrectomy. This procedure removes vitreous by suctioning it out with tiny instruments that are inserted into the eye. After removal, Dr. Brown may treat the retina with a laser, cut or remove scar tissue, flatten detached areas of the retina, or repair holes or tears in the retina. Patients may experience mild discomfort and redness for several days after this procedure, and often have their eye patched for the first day.

Although results vary depending on the individual condition treated, most patients experience improved visual acuity after this procedure. Vitrectomy is most effective in treating conditions such as macular hole, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage or an injury or infection in the vitreous.

Although this procedure is considered safe, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks include retinal detachment, fluid buildup, growth of new blood vessels, infection and further bleeding into the vitreous gel. Patients can minimize these risks by choosing an experienced doctor such to perform their procedure.

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