EMG is at the Forefront of Treatment & Care
Located at the back of the eye, the retina and vitreous are essential for sight. The retina, composed of millions of light-sensitive nerve endings, generates nerve impulses from which the brain creates visual images. Between the retina and the lens of the eye is the vitreous -- a clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the retina and lens, giving form to the shape of the eye.
All vitreo and retinal conditions require highly specialized treatment and care, and Eyecare Medical Group is on the forefront of technology for treating myriad and complex retinal problems.
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The Rev. Dr. Charles Hume, shown working on a wood project, found EMG sensitive to his needs as a diabetic retinopathy patient. |
Since its founding twenty years ago, EMG has introduced many retina treatments to Maine, including cryotherapy (extreme cold therapy) and silicone and sponge implants as treatment techniques. Today, Scott M. Steidl, MD, DMA, continues the EMG tradition of cutting-edge medicine to treat conditions such as retinal detachment and macular hole, as well as conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the country, and diabetic retinopathy is a common result of diabetes. Dr. Steidl and his staff work to bring realistic solutions to their patients and keep them informed about their options.
Reverend Dr. Charles Hume, a diabetic retinopathy patient of Dr. Steidl’s, said that the information he received as part of his care at EMG has been invaluable in managing his condition.
“Doctor Steidl is extremely thoughtful, he considers all options with us, the benefits and risks -- he doesn’t make the decision for you, but he provides you with everything you need and includes both myself and my wife in the conversation,” said Hume.
Hume’s wife, Patricia, adds that it’s compassion that sets EMG apart.
“They are sensitive to what a patient needs -- what they are comfortable with -- and they work to make that happen,” she said. “They really focus on you.”
Although the human aspects of patient care are a constant at EMG, the technological and scientific boundaries of retinal surgery and treatment techniques are changing rapidly. New microsurgical techniques have made managing difficult ocular diseases much more effective for many patients.
“One of the new approaches requires a type of injection into the eye,” said Steidl. “These medications, such as triameinolone, a steroid, and Lucentis, a bioengineered antibody, have allowed us to treat previously untreatable conditions.”
New medications as well as non-surgical treatments (such as lasers) now available to retina patients have also dramatically improved treatment, and EMG continues to be on the forefront of bringing new technology to the center of care in its continued commitment to its retina patients.
“The imaging equipment that is available today will allow us to see sections of the eye, as if we were looking at the eye under a microscope,” said Steidl.
This equipment, the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), reveals the inner workings of the eye in high resolution. It shows cross-section images of the retina, giving doctors more precise measurement of the extent of retina deterioration. And, according to Steidl, it will help in understanding the conditions that lead to these diseases.
“We can not only see what we need to treat, but also to monitor certain conditions and learn more about how they affect the eye.”