The Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital opened a new center for the treatment of retinal diseases in November. The retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts images to electrical impulses. These electrical signals are then perceived by the brain as sight.
The Retina Center treats all retinal diseases including macular degeneration, hypertensive retinopathy, pediatric retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy and sickle cell retinopathy.
"The approach to treating retinal disease has changed drastically in the last few years," says Donald Abrams, M.D., chief of the Department of Ophthalmology at Sinai Hospital. "This new center allows us to more effectively treat patients suffering from these diseases."
At the Retina Center, improvements in patients will be closely monitored. "Treatment is individualized for patients based on their particular needs," says Philip Scharper, M.D., director of Vitreoretinal Surgery and Medical Retina at the Krieger Eye Institute.
"Previously the goal was to prevent a patient from going blind," he says. "Now the availability of new medications and advancements in microsurgery has made it possible to stabilize, and also to improve visual function."
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