CLEARWATER, Fla. - (NewMediaWire) - May 19, 2015 - The Macula Center has expanded the array of leading-edge treatments available to diabetic patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and other retinal diseases with the addition of ILUVIEN® and MicroPulse Laser Therapy to its therapeutic arsenal. Founded in 2003 by Dana M. Deupree, MD, FACS, The Macula Center is one of the first practices in Florida and one of a very few nationwide to offer these state-of-the art treatments.

“Excellence in ophthalmic care is our sole focus, whether that means investing in industry-changing instruments and state-of-the-art retinal imaging equipment and laser systems or practicing the latest surgical techniques and therapies,” said Dr. Deupree, a board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist. “Adding the MicroPulse laser and ILUVIEN injections is a natural extension of that dedication to excellence and allows us to give new hope to our diabetic patients.”

Dr. Deupree was invited by Alimera Sciences, Inc. to be among the first ophthalmologists in Florida and one of just a handful in the country to treat a DME patient with ILUVIEN (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant). The primary cause of vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy, DME is a disease that affects the macula—the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Its onset is painless and may go undetected until it manifests with blurring of central vision or acute vision loss.

ILUVIEN is approved in the U.S. for DME patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids which did not result in a clinically significant rise in intraocular pressure. It is an implant that provides long-term relief from macular swelling by releasing very small levels of medication (fluocinolone acetonide) into the eye over a period of 36 months.

It is a life-altering breakthrough for patients like Tom, whose DME is not responding to other treatments. “I had been at a standstill with other treatments until I read about the ILUVIEN treatment procedure,” he said. “I have seen definite improvement since I had the ILUVIEN treatment.”

Also unique to The Macula Center is MicroPulse, a new laser technology that can safely and effectively treat patients with retinal disorders such as DME, diabetic retinopathy and central serous retinopathy. It can also be used to lower intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma. What sets MicroPulse technology apart are the significantly reduced treatment risk and less patient discomfort, which enable repeated treatments as often as needed without harming the patient’s vision.

For Alice, the results have been rapid and significant. “My vision improved two lines on the eye chart less than a month after my MicroPulse treatment,” she said.

Unlike traditional laser treatments, MicroPulse delivers repetitive “micropulses” of light. This allows for finer surgeon control and lower energy output which creates superior outcomes. It is an ideal first-line treatment for patients suffering from retinal disorders and open-angle glaucoma.

“Retinal diseases associated with diabetes seriously impact patients’ quality of life, often taking away the freedoms associated with such basic daily activities as driving. Exacerbating their struggle is the limited access to effective long-term treatments,” said Dr. Deupree. “ILUVIEN and MicroPulse hold great promise for returning to these individuals control over their lives by restoring their vision with minimal discomfort.”

About The Macula Center Founded by Dana M. Deupree, MD, FACS, in Clearwater, Fla., The Macula Center is an ophthalmology practice specializing in retina problems including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, macula pucker, retinal detachment and all other forms of vitreous and retinal disease.  The recent addition of board-certified ophthalmologists Jason M. Handza, DO, FAOCO (retina specialist) and Katherine A. Macoul, MD, MBA (glaucoma and cornea specialist) expand the practice’s services to provide a more comprehensive eye care experience. For more information, visit www.maculacenter.com.

CONTACT:

Liz Roop 

813-902-3578

liz@npccs.com