RETINAL DETACHMENT
Detachment of the retina from the choroid is a very dangerous disease. The essence of treatment is to reapply it and eventually eliminate the disease that caused it.
COURSE OF SURGERY
The course of surgery depends on the type of retinal detachment. There are 3 types of treatment or a combination of them:
Targeted laser photocoagulation of the retina
External surgery – cerclage or collapse
Intraocular surgery – pars plana vitrectomy.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
The disease occurs in patients with diabetes and is characterised by an increased amount of glucose in the blood, which damages the sensitive capillaries in the retina. If necessary, treatment is started immediately after the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
Treatment process using anti-growth factors (anti-VEGF)
Treatment is carried out with the help of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, aflibercept. These are anti-growth factors, the administration of which into the eye vitreous has the effect of limiting the growth of blood vessels in the retina, eliminating leakage and thus reducing haemorrhage and reducing swelling.
The eye is anaesthetised using anaesthetic eye drops.
0.1 ml of the substance is administered into the eye with a very fine injection.
We usually repeat the procedure three times at six-week intervals to achieve the optimum effect. In advanced forms of the disease, it is possible to repeat the injection after a while.
After the injection, the patient goes home and comes for a follow-up one month later.
The results in the form of reduced swelling appear one week after the operation.
FOR WHOM THE TREATMENT IS SUITABLE
Every patient with diabetes should have regular check-ups to prevent the disease. In case of a positive diagnosis of the disease, the doctor will decide on the appropriateness of treatment.
RISKS AND LIMITATIONS
As with any medical intervention, treatment with growth factors can have postoperative complications. In particular, eye pain, temporary deterioration of vision, increased intraocular pressure, vitreous haemorrhage and infection may occur.
However, a single dose is not sufficient for the desired result; it should be administered at least three times within 6 weeks and then as needed. In about 10% of cases, the patient does not respond to treatment at all.
