Slowing the progression of macular degeneration
For Paul Silliman, seeking care at UF Health Ophthalmology - Jacksonville was a clear choice
Paul Silliman looks forward to seeing eastern Australia next year, especially the site of the Battle of the Coral Sea. It holds a special interest to him as a World War II history buff. Just a few years ago, this activity would not have been an option for Silliman due to age-related macular degeneration, or AMD.
If it had not been for modern medicine and ongoing treatment with UF Health ophthalmologist Sandeep Grover, MD, Silliman would continue to rapidly lose his vision. Vision loss would mean no more sightseeing or the independence he is used to.
“With my diagnosis of wet macular degeneration at age 65, losing my sight was the worst crisis I could think of,” said Silliman. “Fortunately for people like me living with this condition, there are medications available to slow the progression.”
For most, vision loss happens slowly over many years and results in blurry vision in the center of the eye. Things you could once see clearly become out of focus and more dull in appearance. There are two types of AMD — dry and wet.
Whether the vision loss is small or great, it reduces the quality of life for patients and can interfere with living independently.
In addition to the reputation of UF Health Jacksonville as part of a premier health system, Silliman’s son, Scott Silliman, MD, medical director of the Comprehensive Stroke Program, recommended he seek care from Grover. After moving from Tampa, where treatment was initiated, Silliman was diligent in finding an experienced ophthalmologist who would take the time to discuss his medical history and concerns.
“I’ve lived with my condition for nearly 20 years, and I know the importance of competent and consistent care,” said Silliman. “Dr. Grover and his team have been nothing but welcoming and kind since the day I first came into their office.”
UF Health Jacksonville ophthalmologist Sandeep Grover, MD specializes in retinal diseases and sees patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and inherited retinal diseases.
As an ophthalmologist with specialization in retinal diseases, Grover sees patients with macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and inherited retinal diseases.
“We’ve seen remarkable preservation of vision with the treatment options available today for a number of conditions,” said Grover. “AMD is treated with intravitreal injections of medications given every four to six weeks with continuous monitoring by eye exams and tests in between the injections.”
During an intravitreal injection, medications are injected into the “jelly-like” vitreous that fills the eye so the medication is readily available to the retina. According to the American Society of Retina Specialists, they became more common after 2006 when the types of available medications expanded to treat more conditions. The medications act to reduce fluid leakage associated with disorders including AMD, diabetic retinopathy and vascular occlusions.
“I call them miracle drugs because if the patient can be seen and given injections within a short period after diagnosis of wet AMD, the medications will either stabilize or improve the vision,” said Grover.
Typically, patients feel pressure with little or no pain during the injection. It is a relatively less invasive treatment and performed as an outpatient procedure with good tolerance by patients, according to Grover.
Paul Silliman and his wife look forward to seeing more of the world together after his treatment for macular degeneration.
Silliman soaks in the moments sitting with his wife on their balcony overlooking Goodbys Creek. He’s been able to enjoy the sights of nature and time with family thanks to his regular treatment.
“I can’t convey enough how happy I am that medicine has come this far,” said Silliman. “I feel fortunate to have found a physician like Dr. Grover who keeps up with advances in order to provide his patients with the highest quality of care.”
Visit UFHealthJax.org/ophthalmology for more information about treatment for AMD and other visual health services.
