BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group, nationally recognized leaders that specialize in the treatment of diseases affecting the retina, are the first on the West Coast to offer their patients the much anticipated, JETREA, a new non-surgical treatment option for patients with Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion (VMA), a retinal disorder that affects central vision.

Over a 1/4 million people in the US are affected by VMA; a progressive, sight-threatening condition that, when left untreated, frequently leads to retinal distortion, further deterioration in vision, and irreversible damage to eyesight.

VMA can contribute to eye problems if the vitreous (jelly in the center of the eye) starts to move away from the macula (a part of the retina responsible for reading vision). This movement can lead to damage of the macula due to pulling or tugging on the macula.

In October 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), approved JETREA as the first pharmacological agent for the treatment of VMA; and became available to patients this week. The only other option to treat VMA is surgery, which is often reserved for patients at a time when possible irreversible damage is already done. The medication is injected into the patient's affected eye once as a single dose.

JETREA is an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the eye responsible for VMA. The breakdown of these proteins allows a better separation between the vitreous and macula and can reduce the chances that tugging will occur.

"We are extremely pleased to offer our patients a non-surgical option to treat VMA," said David S. Boyer, MD, Senior Partner, Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group. "This is a huge advance to treat such a sight debilitating disorder and one we're proud to be a part of."

Retina-Vitreous Associates Medical Group specializes in the treatment of diseases affecting the retina, the vitreous and the macula. The physicians at Retina-Vitreous Associates are nationally recognized leaders in their field and participate in most clinical trials assessing new therapies for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, as well as other retinal diseases. In addition to its clinical services, Retina-Vitreous Associates provides continuing education and consulting services to the local, national and international ophthalmic communities and other healthcare industries. For more information, call (310) 854-6201, or go to http://www.laretina.com/.">http://www.laretina.com/.

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