Treatments

Lakewood Ranch Retina offers a full range of advanced treatments and procedures to manage retinal conditions. After a comprehensive evaluation with cutting-edge diagnostic tools, Dr. Rohowetz will discuss the optimal treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our goal is to utilize the least invasive and most effective therapy to protect or improve your eyesight.

Common treatments and services include:

Many retinal conditions are treated with medications delivered through tiny injections into the eye (the vitreous cavity). While it may sound intimidating, the eye is thoroughly numbed and most patients experience little to no pain. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs (such as Avastin, Eylea, or Lucentis) are a cornerstone treatment for wet macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions – helping to reduce abnormal blood vessels and fluid leakage. We also administer steroid implants or other medicines via injection for conditions like uveitis or persistent edema. These treatments can stabilize or even improve vision in many patients.

Laser photocoagulation is a targeted laser treatment used to treat various retinal issues. For example, with diabetic retinopathy, laser can seal leaking blood vessels or reduce the growth of abnormal new vessels (panretinal photocoagulation). We also use laser treatment to repair retinal tears, creating a barrier scar that helps prevent retinal detachment. Laser procedures are performed in the office with anesthetic drops and are typically quick and painless.

When diseases are more advanced or injuries occur, surgery might be necessary to restore or preserve vision. Dr. Rohowetz is trained in sophisticated retinal surgeries including pars plana vitrectomy – a procedure to remove the gel (vitreous) and repair the retina. Vitrectomy is used for conditions like retinal detachment, macular hole closure, epiretinal membrane removal, vitreous hemorrhage cleanup, and complex retinal scar tissue removal (proliferative vitreoretinopathy). In cases of retinal detachment, surgery may also involve placing a scleral buckle (a silicone band around the eyeball) or injecting a gas bubble into the eye to help reattach the retina. These surgeries are typically done as outpatient procedures (you go home the same day) at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital.

For select retinal detachments, we offer an in-office procedure called pneumatic retinopexy. This involves injecting a small gas bubble into the eye to press the retina back in place, often combined with laser or cryotherapy to seal the tear. It avoids a larger surgery and can be done with local anesthesia if you are a good candidate.

For patients with dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs), we offer advanced surgical solutions including scleral fixation, IOL repositioning, and IOL exchange. These techniques help stabilize the visual axis and restore clarity when a lens implant becomes decentered, dislocated, or damaged. Dr. Rohowetz is experienced in these complex anterior-posterior segment interface surgeries and works closely with your referring eye doctor to ensure optimal functional and visual outcomes.

Trauma or prior surgery can result in iris defects such as irregular pupils, torn iris tissue, or photophobia. At Lakewood Ranch Retina, we offer surgical iris repair for select patients, restoring both the appearance and function of the iris. Techniques may include suturing torn iris segments or reconstructing pupil shape to improve light control and visual quality. Iris repair is often combined with other procedures like IOL fixation when appropriate, offering a comprehensive approach to complex anterior segment reconstruction.

While not a “treatment” per se, our ability to treat retinal disease begins with excellent diagnosis. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) for high-resolution cross-sections of the retina, fluorescein angiography to evaluate retinal blood flow, and ultrawide-field retinal imaging to examine the peripheral retina. These technologies enable early detection of issues and precise monitoring of treatment progress, ensuring you get the most effective care at the right time.

If permanent vision loss has occurred (for instance, in advanced macular degeneration), we will help connect you with low vision resources. This can include specialized low-vision optometrists, visual aids, and rehabilitation services to maximize your remaining vision and maintain quality of life. Our team believes in supporting patients beyond medical treatment, especially when adapting to vision changes.

Our approach to treatment is individualized:

Some conditions may only require observation and regular check-ups, while others need immediate intervention. We will educate you about the pros, cons, and expected outcomes of each treatment option. By combining our expertise with your preferences and needs, we strive to achieve the best possible results for your vision and eye health.

Contact Lakewood Ranch Retina

We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your retinal care needs. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, to schedule an appointment (once scheduling is open), or to request more information about our services.