SERVICES / MACULAR DEGENERATION

Treatments for Retinal Diseases

Modern treatments for diseases of the retina and vitreous.

Treatments for Retinal Diseases

Laser Photocoagulation

Laser photocoagulation is one of the treatments for retinal diseases. It is classified as follows:

Types of lasers by wavelength:σ

Athens Vision offers state-of-the-art laser units with “micropulse” capability for minimally invasive treatment and combinations with photosensitive dyes for deep-penetrating applications.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy combines an intravenous photosensitive medication (verteporfin) with a specialized low-energy laser.

PDT may be used in selected cases such as:

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and may be combined with other therapies when necessary.

Intravitreal Injections (Anti-VEGF Therapy)

Anti-VEGF medications block signals responsible for abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage, helping to stabilize and often improve vision.

They are commonly used for:

The medication is delivered directly inside the eye under sterile conditions using local anesthesia.

Intravitreal Drug Implants and Sustained-Release Treatments

Certain retinal diseases benefit from medications that are slowly released inside the eye over an extended period.

These treatments include:

Athens Vision has clinical experience with all types of implants and participates in multicenter studies on new treatments.

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure used to treat diseases affecting the retina and vitreous.

Vitrectomy may be recommended for:

Η Athens Vision εφαρμόζει τεχνικές ελάχιστης επεμβατικότητας με μικροσκοπικές τομές (<0.5 mm), χωρίς την ανάγκη ραμμάτων.

What is vitrectomy?

Vitrectomy is a microsurgical procedure used to treat diseases affecting the retina and vitreous.
During surgery, the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed, allowing the surgeon to access and repair delicate retinal structures.

When is vitrectomy necessary?

Vitrectomy may be recommended for:

retinal detachment
diabetic eye disease with bleeding or scar tissue
vitreous hemorrhage
epiretinal membrane
macular hole
severe eye trauma
infections inside the eye
complications of previous eye surgery

Improving Vision with Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy often improves or stabilizes our vision, as it removes blood or opacities in the vitreous that interfere with the focusing of light on the retina. It also removes scar tissue or membranes that disrupt the architecture of the retina. Even foreign bodies that penetrate the eye following injuries are removed by vitrectomy.

What should I expect from a vitrectomy?

Before Surgery

You and your ophthalmologist will decide whether the procedure will be performed under local or general anesthesia. For the vast majority of our patients, vitrectomy is performed under local anesthesia and is an “outpatient procedure,” meaning it does not require an overnight hospital stay.

During the surgery

The duration of the procedure depends on your condition, but generally ranges from 30 to 90 minutes. In some cases, your ophthalmologist may combine vitrectomy with another necessary procedure, such as a corneal transplant or cataract surgery.

During vitrectomy, your surgeon uses a high-resolution microscope and a variety of microsurgical instruments, which are inserted through small incisions in the sclera of the eye.

To achieve the best possible result, do one or more of the following:

removes the cloudy vitreous humor
removes the membranes and scar tissue
removes any foreign objects it finds inside the eye
applies a laser to retinal tears
injects air or gas to keep the retina in place
applies a special silicone liquid

Μετά την επέμβαση

Some mild discomfort is to be expected after the procedure. A bandage is often applied for one day. You will be given eye drops for the first 3–4 weeks. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume your normal activities.

If your surgery requires the insertion of gas, your surgeon will instruct you on the proper position to keep your head in during the postoperative period and until the gas is absorbed. You should not travel by plane or go to high altitudes until the gas has been completely absorbed. A sudden ascent to high altitudes can cause an extremely dangerous increase in the pressure inside your eye.

Risks of Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy appears to accelerate the development of cataracts, particularly in elderly patients. This does not occur immediately after surgery, but usually several months after the vitrectomy.

How does vision improve after vitrectomy?

The final outcome in terms of visual acuity depends on the underlying condition, and specifically on whether your condition caused permanent damage to the retina prior to the vitrectomy. Your ophthalmologist will discuss this with you and explain what the expected outcome is in your case.

Is vitrectomy performed without sutures?

In recent years, vitrectomy surgery has been performed internationally using smaller incisions that do not require sutures. Although the general principles of the technique remain the same, this less invasive surgical approach offers the significant advantage of reducing surgical time and resulting in a faster, pain-free postoperative recovery. Your surgeon will inform you whether you are a candidate for this type of vitrectomy and will explain its advantages and disadvantages compared to the method involving larger incisions.

A doctor who specializes in this condition

ALEXANDER CHARONIS

Ophthalmic Surgeon

Director of the Retina Department at AthensVision, Board Certified by the American and European Boards of Ophthalmology

Specialties: Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ocular Infections

Treatments for Retinal Diseases