Medical retina is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and non-surgical management of retinal diseases. Unlike surgical retina, which involves operative procedures, medical retina specialists use treatments such as laser therapy, intravitreal injections, and systemic medications to manage retinal disorders.
1. Intravitreal Injections
Anti-VEGF Therapy (e.g., Ranibizumab, Aflibercept, Bevacizumab) – Used for AMD, DME, and RVO to reduce abnormal vessel growth and leakage.
Steroid Injections (e.g., Dexamethasone implants) – Used for inflammatory conditions and macular edema.
2. Laser Therapy
Focal/Grid Laser – Used for DME to reduce fluid leakage.
Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP) – Used for proliferative diabetic retinopathy to shrink abnormal blood vessels.
3. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Combines a photosensitizing drug (Verteporfin) with laser activation to treat wet AMD and CSCR.