Retinal Treatments and Surgeries

Summarized below are different laser treatments and surgical procedures applied for a variety of retinal problems.

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatments
Three laser treatments have been developed for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy at different stages of the disease. The goal for each of these procedures is to stabilize the vision; they cannot correct the damage already done.

Focal Laser Treatment is an in-office procedure used to treat macular edema, or swelling in the anterior part of the eye. Patients undergo a dilated eye examination and a flouroscein angiograph prior to the treatment in order to identify the location of leaky blood vessels that cause the swelling. During the procedure, a laser is used to seal off the leaky blood vessels and prevent further leakage. As the existing blood dissipates, the swelling is reduced. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and the earlier treatment is applied, the higher the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Grid Laser Treatment also an outpatient procedure that is used to seal off a wider array of leaky blood vessels over a diffuse area. Because there are more leaks, there is also more swelling in the eye. The laser treatment is similar to focal laser treatment except that more leaks are sealed in the eye. Again, the object of this treatment is to reduce swelling in the eye.

Pan Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP) As the severity of diabetic retinopathy progresses, swelling causes ischemic tissue (oxygen-deprived tissue) that sends signals to the body to produce new blood vessels. These new vessels tend to be abnormal and often break open and bleed, making the situation worse. With PRP, tissue is selectively destroyed using a laser in order to force the new blood vessels to shut down. When successful, this technique reduces the eye's demand for oxygen and stops the signal for more new blood vessels.

PRP is a same day, outpatient procedure. Patients must have a clinical examination as well as a flouroscein angiograph prior to the treatment. There are no sutures and no patching or eye drops are required afterwards. Recovery time is roughly 90 days.

Vitrectomy is a surgical alternative for the treatment of severe diabetic retinopathy. In this procedure, the damaged tissue, blood vessels and any accumulated blood are removed from the middle of the eye with the help of a laser and replaced with saline solution to keep the globe formed. Vitrectomy is a same day, outpatient procedure.

Retinal Detachment
A retinal detachment occurs when the retinal tissue detaches from the eye wall in the back of the eye. There are many possible causes for retinal detachment, such as blunt trauma, weakness in the tissue or holes. Retinal detachment is often marked by the sudden loss of half or all of the vision in one eye. It may also be accompanied by light flashes. Retinal detachments are easily diagnosed in a dilated eye examination.

The specific treatment used to re-attach the retina to the eye wall depends on where the detachment occurred. The options include injecting a gas bubble (pneumatic retinopexy) to support the retina while new tissue builds to connect it to the wall of the eye; cryosurgery that creates scar tissue that allows the retina to reattach to the eye wall; or sclera buckle, in which a device is inserted permanently into the eye to reduce tension on the retinal surface. Patients generally go home the same day as the procedure. Depending on the treatment used, patients may have to maintain a head down position for a few days. The full recovery period can take several months. Retinal re-attachment surgery is usually very successful, although in some cases a second surgery is required.

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Testimonials

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  • "Dr. Coad and his staff made the experience of having a cataract removed the best it could possibly be, from evaluation to discussing options to being reassuring when the surgery began, to follow-up. The evaluation process was efficient, yet at no time did I feel as if it was anything but personal. His staff at all times were both professional and welcoming. Vace, the surgical coordinator, did everything to make sure the surgical process went smoothly.
    As to Dr. Coad himself, I can't say enough. His skill is absolutely top-notch, but it was the concern that he took in making sure that I understood all of my options, and his reassuring manner before, during and after the surgery which makes it easy to recommend him to the fullest to anyone who needs ophthalmic care."
    Ed W.
  • "Had a five star experience at Chelsea Eye! I went to Dr Yoon for an eye exam and she was extremely friendly, helpful and down to earth! I have met all the staff and they are very friendly and easy to talk to. Hugo in particular was wonderful to work with during the exam. It was a breathe of fresh air coming to this practice and I highly recommend going here for an Optometry appointment or Opthalmology appointment with Dr Coad."
    Devon T.
  • "Can I please take a moment and talk about how awesome Dr. Jay Yoon is?!

    I would be friends with this woman! I went in freaked out about a blood vessel on my eye and in total hypochondriac mode (is it a stroke? Is this connected to my brain? Is it gonna spread?). She laughed and calmly said "looks like you've always had this and it's fine and here are some drops cause your eyes are dry and here's my great primary doctor who I recommend since you don't have one."

    She was very funny and relatable and cool - she didn't try to rush me away and she was honest about everything too and so helpful.

    I've already started recommending her and now I'll do it on here: book an appt and be treated so warmly."
    Bonnie G.
  • "Dr Coad and Nicole were both absolutely wonderful. After my brother had LASIK surgery, I decided to go ahead and do the same.

    Both Nicole and Dr. Coad are very proficient in their work. They answered any and all questions that I had, and calmed every nervous feeling that arose from the start, up until the surgery.

    Going through the surgery I was EXTREMELY nervous and Dr. Coad walked me through the entire procedure (before and during) and made my whole LASIK experience a breeze.

    I can not recommend them enough. If you are interested in LASIK Dr. Coad is the only doctor I would trust."
    Christina V.
  • "This team is the absolute best. Christine is a gift from the gods and makes you feel comfortable supported and amazing. She really got me through my anxieties about my recent lasik surgery - which went great! Dr Coad is the best. A fantastic team, a simple process - I highly recommend this team - if you've ever considered lasik (like I have for the last 20 years) make an appt with this great group. You'll be happy you did."
    Mark P.
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