Our eyes have been called "the window to the soul." It turns out they also are often a very effective window to our overall health. That’s why regular eye exams are so important — giving your doctor the opportunity to evaluate the condition of the eyes, particularly the blood vessels in a part of the eye called the retina.
At the office of South Florida Eye Health, our team of ophthalmologists is skilled at diagnosing and treating a wide range of retina-related eye complications with the goal of maintaining the best eyesight possible for each patient.
Intravitreal corticosteroid injections are a new class of drugs used to manage a variety of retinal conditions. One such drug is Ozurdex®, recently approved to treat patients who suffer from macular edema, which occurs when there is abnormal leakage and accumulation of fluid in the macula from damaged blood vessels in the retina; diabetic macular edema; and non-infectious uveitis, (an inflammatory disease of uvea, the pigmented color of eye).
Ozurdex® is a small corticosteroid implant injected directly into the back of the eye, that slowly releases medication over time, without the need for monthly injections. It dissolves naturally and will not need to be removed. The implant works to help reduce inflammation in the retina and improve overall vision.
If the idea of an implant into the eye seems daunting, the reality is that it’s surprisingly quick and painless. Patients are awake during the procedure and the injection only takes a few moments. First, the doctor cleans and numbs the surface of the eye and injects the Ozurdex® using a special applicator. The patient may feel some pressure during the injection and then hear a click when the implant is released into the eye.
Committed to maintaining good eye health
A healthy retina and macula are essential for normal vision. That’s why it’s important to speak with your ophthalmologist about the treatments options that are right for you. At the office of South Florida Eye Health, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate eye care for you and your family. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.
