When treating wet macular degeneration, the goal is to prevent the growth of abnormal blood vessels by blocking the stimulators of new vessel growth, as well as disrupting the existing neovascular network to stop bleeding. It was not possible to achieve this with previously existing methods.
Currently, the drug Lucentis has become a treatment for patients with macular degeneration; it was approved by the FDA in June 2006 as a unique treatment for age-related macular degeneration, and in 2008 it was registered in Russia.
Since 2010, our Clinic has been using the drug Lucentis in clinical practice. The Lucentis drug contains molecules of the active substance, ranibizumab, that have special properties, which help patients restore vision.
Our ophthalmologists mastered the injection to improve vision
Ophthalmologists call glaucoma one of the most insidious eye diseases: it develops slowly and almost imperceptibly, but at the same time it is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. According to statistics from the World Health Organization, about 80 million people suffer from glaucoma, and in our country this figure is close to 100,000. However, thanks to the work of the Ministry of Health, all patients have the opportunity to receive quality care: for example, they are provided with the necessary drugs for conservative treatment free of charge. During World Glaucoma Week, which runs from March 6 to 12, the R correspondent visited the 3rd City Clinical Hospital (this is where all new products related to eye treatment are tested) and learned how ophthalmologists are fighting this disabling disease and what other innovative methods of treating eye pathologies are being introduced into practice.
So that the eye is like a diamond
Cataracts, retinal detachments, inflammatory eye diseases: every day dozens of patients with these and other complex diagnoses trust their vision to the best ophthalmologists of the 3rd City Clinical Hospital. And for good reason, because, as Mikhail Panes says, acting Head of the Department of Eye Microsurgery No. 1,
it was here that the Belarusian school of ophthalmology was once born:
— To this day, the Department of Eye Diseases of the Belarusian State Medical University operates on the basis of the hospital, so it is not surprising that all new products in this area are tested here. We can also conduct absolutely any eye examination available to modern medicine to help a person overcome the disease.
But there are some in the long list of eye pathologies that cannot be overcome; treatment only stops the progression of the disease. Glaucoma is one of them.
— It doesn’t hurt, so to speak, and in the early stages it doesn’t have a negative effect at all. Glaucoma can only be noticed when irreversible changes in vision occur. Moreover, the exact causes of the disease are still unknown, so we treat only the symptoms and stop the damaging effects.
By the word glaucoma, people often understand increased intraocular pressure, but the ophthalmologist counters: in some forms of the disease, the pressure remains normal or may even be lower.
- This is a multifactorial disease leading to optical neuropathy: due to glaucoma, cells in the center of the retina and nerve fibers suffer. Moreover, the decrease in the quality of vision occurs gradually, the person manages to adapt and does not notice the changes. Although glaucoma cannot be completely cured, it can be controlled: the earlier doctors diagnose it, the more effective treatment will be. By the way, in terms of diagnostics, our country has something to be proud of: we have almost completely gotten rid of the detection of glaucoma at the 4th (last) stage, when only tubular vision is preserved.
Glaucoma is treated using three pillars: drops, laser and surgery. Regarding the latter, the clinic, among other things, uses a highly effective method - installing a filtration device.
- With glaucoma, the outflow of intraocular fluid can be disrupted - it accumulates and causes an increase in pressure, which leads to damage to the optic nerve and deterioration of vision. Therefore, we install a device in the eye that helps pump out this fluid,
- The ophthalmologist demonstrates the implant on the tip of his finger.
It looks like a tiny tube smaller than a grain. — During the operation, the implant is placed under the scleral flap. The device replaces the function of the drainage system of the eye, thereby creating an alternative path through which excess intraocular fluid is successfully drained. The result is clear control of intraocular pressure and maintaining it at a healthy level. This implant will help patients whose condition has not improved after conservative medical treatment, as well as those who require further surgery.
“We can perform absolutely any eye examination available to modern medicine to help a person overcome the disease.”
Health injections
Mikhail Panes also spoke about a unique method of treating retinal pathologies (damage to the retina) of the eye. It turns out that the clinic’s doctors were the first in the CIS to begin injecting a drug that stops the development of disorders in the central part of the retina and blocks the growth of new blood vessels.
“There are types of diseases when the native vessels become brittle, blood leaks out of them, and the nutrition of the retina is disrupted. If left untreated, you can become completely blind.
The method of eye injections with the modern drug “Aflibercet” was introduced by Lyudmila Marchenko, professor of the BSMU department. Her colleagues admit: the specialist is always aware of trends in the treatment of eye pathologies and is the first to bring all the new products to Belarus.
— To understand whether the patient really needs such serious treatment, our ophthalmologists conduct several tests,
— explains Mikhail Panes.
— Let’s say a person comes to an appointment and complains of decreased vision in one eye. This is a common situation: you seem to have seen everything, and then suddenly it gets worse. Then the doctor dilates the pupil and looks at the lens. After all, the complaint may be associated with cataracts, retinal detachment or damage to the corneas. If these diagnoses are excluded, the ophthalmologist may prescribe injections. They help patients with retinal edema, various types of vascular thrombosis, and ischemia in the optic nerve.
The clinic uses a highly effective method for the treatment of glaucoma - installation of a filtration device.
A few milligrams of the drug are injected with a thin syringe under local anesthesia. After the first injection, doctors examine the patient’s condition: for some, one injection may help, but on average three injections need to be given with a break of a month.
“The method has already proven itself to work: in February alone, 300 people received injections. Many of them began to see better the very next day. By the way, such injections also help with glaucoma, because in pathological conditions (when “irregular” vessels grow) secondary neovascular glaucoma can occur. Then the drug "Eylea" is used to stop the growth of these vessels.
According to the ophthalmologist, the method created a sensation all over the world: after its introduction, the ophthalmological community received a serious weapon against many previously incurable pathologies associated with excessive vascular formation.
“With the advent of these injections, various pathologies of the central parts of the retina and optic nerve began to decline sharply. But success largely depends on the patient’s condition: if he is referred at an early stage, then vision can be restored to almost ideal,
- the ophthalmologist summarizes.
All about the eyes
Our eyes, like any other organ, are susceptible to various diseases, injuries, fatigue and, of course, basic aging. To slow down or prevent these phenomena, there are eye vitamins. Who should take them and how? What is better to choose: eye vitamins in tablets or fortified eye drops ?
First of all, it must be said that no matter what problems you have, you should first consult a doctor. After all, even a mild disorder, from your point of view, can serve as a symptom of a disease, and we are not necessarily talking about eye diseases. Do not put off visiting a doctor if you are already diagnosed with diabetes, varicose veins, glaucoma or cataracts. It is also recommended to consult with a specialist about vitamins for the eyes for those who suffer from myopia or farsightedness, allergies and anyone whose age is already approaching forty years.
Nowadays, eye vitamins can be found in the form of capsules or tablets, injections and, of course, vitamin eye drops.
What to choose?
Experts believe that if you really want to improve your vision or take preventive measures, then it is best to take a comprehensive approach to treatment. That is, you will need capsules and eye drops with vitamins, and even supplement your daily diet with foods containing vitamins necessary for vision.
The most important vitamins for the eyes are A, C, B vitamins, E, calcium and zinc .
Vitamin A is essential for retinal health. It is found in orange vegetables and fruits. Apricot is considered the richest source of this vitamin for the eyes; a lot of it is found in avocados and bell peppers (orange). Carrots and blueberries are also good sources. However, do not forget that an excess of vitamin A has a bad effect on the liver, so do not overload yourself with bags of carrots - eat them in moderation.
Vitamin C has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels. It is mainly obtained from blueberries, rose hips, and citrus fruits. In the spring, young potatoes will be an excellent source of this vitamin, and in the winter, sauerkraut will help replenish the amount.
B vitamins are responsible for the condition of nerve cells, which in turn maintain communication between the organs of vision and the cerebral cortex. One of the vitamins in this group, riboflavin, is a very important vitamin for the eyes and is primarily useful for the treatment and prevention of dystrophic changes in the cornea. Natural sources of Riboflavin are vegetables, dairy products, and mushrooms.
Vitamin E belongs to the group of antioxidants that slow down aging and are responsible for removing harmful substances from the body. Natural sources of this substance are sprouted wheat and rye. Daily consumption of these products will protect your eyes from tumors, changes in the retina and cornea.
Calcium is necessary to strengthen the tissues of the eye and is an indispensable element for myopia. Milk and cottage cheese, green vegetables contain calcium, white cabbage and lettuce are especially rich in it.
Zinc is absolutely necessary for those who are at risk for cataracts. This element is able to prevent painful changes in the organ of vision. Among food products, the most zinc is found in pumpkin, animal liver, fish, and brains.
Another useful substance, lutein , has the unique property of accumulating in the retina of the eye, thus creating a protective barrier against various vision disorders and diseases. In terms of characteristics and properties, lutein is similar to beta-carotene and is present in large quantities in peas, lettuce, chicken egg yolk, spinach, and bell pepper (red).
Typically, all these substances are part of vitamin complexes for the eyes.
If you notice that your eyes get tired from working on the computer, pay attention to eye vitamins with riboflavin . Also choose drops with vitamins for the eyes that contain this substance. If your vision is impaired with the onset of darkness, you should pay attention to Vitamin A. In addition to this, you can add Taufon eye vitamin drops .
If you are suffering from the consequences of an eye injury or burn, you definitely need to take a course of healing with vitamin A and riboflavin. After eye surgery, a vitamin C complex will help your eye recover faster.
, eye vitamins with blueberries will help correct the situation .
For diseases of the optic nerve or fragility of the blood vessels of the eyes, parsley-based preparations will help. For cataracts, you need eye vitamins with zinc. In this case, Quinax and Sancatalin eye drops . According to reviews, these drugs most effectively inhibit the growth of cataracts of any etiology.
To prevent this disease, again, according to reviews, eye drops with vitamins “Katachrome”, “Oftan-katachrome” .
In case of myopia, you must first take measures to strengthen the blood vessels. Choose an eye complex with vitamin C, calcium and beta-carotene (or lutein). If you often suffer from allergic conjunctivitis, add vitamin eye drops to your vitamin complex. The drugs “Ifiral” and “High-Krom” received a lot of good reviews .
In conclusion, it should be recalled that you should not take vitamins and eye drops without consulting a doctor. You also need to know that taking vitamins should not be constant. Thus, capsules and eye drops with vitamins should be taken in courses with breaks: 3 months of use - 1 month break.
Another important point. Even if you have heard good reviews about eye vitamins from your friends and family, you should not prescribe them to yourself without permission. Only a doctor can determine the correct treatment.
And of course, do not neglect healthy foods - rich sources of vitamins for the eyes . Doctors have proven that consuming these products actually has a positive effect on eye health and may even improve your performance on your next visual acuity test by a couple of lines.
Based on materials from the site justlady.ru
Author: Alexandra Panyutina
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