Age-related macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the macula or the area of best vision, which is the part of the retina that controls detailed visual acuity. The condition can be categorised as either wet (10% of patients) or dry (90% of patients). The wet form of this condition occurs when there is abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye, while dry macular degeneration occurs as a result of the macula tissues thinning. While these conditions cannot be cured, Dr Enslin Uys is able to recommend a treatment to delay its progression.
More recently, injections have been found to stop the progression of the wet macular degeneration. This group of medication is called anti-VEGF and includes Avastin, Lucentis and Eylea. Dr Enslin Uys has the expert knowledge to know which one will work best for your condition. These injections have to be repeated, initially up to monthly until your condition has stabilised. The interval between injections will then slowly be increased.
Tumours inside the eye generally occur in the middle layer (choroid) and the inner layer (retina) of the eye. Tumours, can however also be found on the lids, conjunctiva or in the orbit. Tumours do not always indicate eye cancer (malignant tumour) and can be benign, in which case they are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumours, however, can affect vision.
Treatment options for eye tumours include observation with regular follow up and photographic or ultrasound monitoring, excision, laser surgery, photodynamic therapy or radiation therapy. The treatment depends on the type of lesion, size and location. Dr Enslin Uys has the expert knowledge to recommend the best treatment for your eye condition. The cancer treatment is often in collaboration with an Oncologist. Retinoblastoma (the most common tumour in children) and melanomas (adults) are often treated using chemotherapy or radiation.
It is common for some patients to experience visual side effects of these cancer-fighting drugs. Ocular side effects of cancer-fighting therapies include photophobia (sensitivity to light), conjunctivitis (otherwise known as pink eye), dry and sore eyes and cataracts. Ocular side effects may be mild, however more severe side effects will possibly need surgical treatment by an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon when you are under the care of an Oncologist.