Treatments and Services

Our scientists and physicians work daily to implement some of the most advanced medical and surgical treatments for retinal conditions. These include new treatments, such as Eylea injections, scientific work on stem cells, and innovative gene therapies.

Other treatments we offer include:

• Scatter laser photocoagulation – This treatment involves using a high-energy laser beam to destroy the new abnormal blood vessels. This can help with some types of wet AMD.
• Laser surgery – Laser surgery can treat small holes and tears. Tiny burns are made around the hole to "weld" the retina back into place.
• Anti-VEGF therapy Injections – This drug treatment can help slow down vision loss from AMD and, in some cases, improve vision.
  • Eylea injections – a drug that is injected into the eye that blocks the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the back of the eye.
• Surgery
  • Scleral buckle – a tiny synthetic is attached to the outside of the eyeball. The band gently pushes the wall of the eye in toward the center of the eye. This places the eye wall very close to the detached retina. Natural pumps in the eye then help reattach the retina to the wall.
  • Vitrectomy – surgery to replace the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye and helps the eye maintain a round shape. A small instrument is used to remove the vitreous. A gas is injected to replace the vitreous. The gas pushes the retina back against the wall of the eye and reattaches it. The eye makes fluid that slowly replaces the gas and fills the eye as it heals.
  • Cryotherapy Cryopexy – is a freeze treatment that can also help with small holes and tears. Cryopexy freezes the area around the hole and helps reattach the retina. The procedure is performed in the eye doctor's office.
  • Photodynamic therapy – This treatment involves a cold laser combined with a light-sensitizing medication called verteporfin. It can help close new abnormal blood vessels without creating a scar. This can help with some types of wet AMD.
  • Gas injection – a gas bubble gets injected into the eye. The gas bubble can help hold the retina against the eye wall while the areas are treated with laser or cryopexy.

Why Choose Columbia?

Columbia retinal specialists can successfully treat your retinal disorders, so it is so important to see a Columbia ophthalmologist the moment you think something is wrong and to make annual appointments with our team so we can catch your eye problem before it develops into a more condition.