Radiation retinopathy occurs when the healthy non-tumor tissue of the retina gets damaged by the radiation that is intended for the ocular melanoma undergoing treatment. Although we have nothing that will "cure" or "eliminate" radiation retinopathy, we do have helpful treatments for radiation retinopathy that I will discuss in this episode.
Radiation damage happens at the time of treatment. Radiation works by damaging the DNA of the tumor cells so that the melanoma cells are unable to divide and proliferatie. Once the treatment is over, we cannot "un-do" the damage to the DNA of cells that might have been affected by the radiation. All of our treatments help to suppress the disfunction of the affected retinal tissue.
The main treatments once radiation retinopathy is discovered are: 1) anti-VEGF injections and 2) pan-retinal laser photocoagulation. Steroids may work well to treat inflammatory macular edema, but are of little use for the treatment of actual radiation retinopathy - it is important that your ophthalmologist can tell the difference!
Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go!
The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.
Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.
