Retina Care
What is a Retina?
The retina is the light sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye. Light entering the eye focuses on the retina producing images. The resulting light signals are then transmitted from this light sensitive tissue, through the optic nerve to the brain. This is the basic pathway of vision.
What are the Different Types of Retina Conditions?
With age, the retina tends to invite complications that can severely affect vision. At聽SightMD, we use advanced equipment and the expertise to diagnose and treat a wide array of retinal conditions, including Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Tears, and Macular Degeneration. The retina is delicate nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye. As we age, and sometimes due to medical conditions such as Diabetes, the retina can develop complications that severely affect our sight. There is a wide variety of retina problems, conditions and diseases. Here is a short list of the more common retina problems that we treat:
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
The disease can be detected by viewing the retina with instruments that illuminate and magnify the structures of the eye. If聽Diabetic Retinopathy聽is found, a series of photographs are taken as a dye travels through the retinal vessels. Treatment of the disease depends on the location and degree of damage to the retina. If retinopathy occurs in the peripheral retina, careful monitoring of the disease may be all that is necessary. When retinopathy affects the macula and central vision, laser treatments may be necessary. Early detection and management of the disease are key which is why getting a聽comprehensive eye exam聽annually is the best protection against the progression of Diabetic Retinopathy. Even when no symptoms are noticed, a diabetic patient should have frequent eye examinations, as recommended by their doctor.
What are Retinal Tears?
础听Retinal Tear聽is a serious condition and requires immediate attention. It occurs when the retina partially detaches from the back wall of the eye. Typically found in people age 40 and over, Retinal Tears are exhibited by unusual flashes of light and black spots (or lines) in the field of vision. Surgery is required to treat tears and is typically performed by special lasers.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration, also known as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), is typically a natural result of the aging process. It often causes blurriness and reduces our ability to perform detailed tasks. Fortunately, there are a number of therapies and medications that we can administer to manage and slow this type of vision loss and, in some cases, even improve sight. Quite often, low-vision aids are used by patients to magnify areas for easier reading and to complete other detailed tasks. Working with you to determine which treatment is best for you, we鈥檒l inject medication into the eye to stabilize or even improve your vision in some instances鈥攕o you can keep up with your daily activities.
Why is it Important to Have Routine Eye Exams?
It鈥檚 important to pay attention to any changes in your vision and find care quickly. Seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly have聽floaters, flashes聽or reduced vision. These are warning signs of potentially serious retinal disease. Many retina problems can be detected by your eye doctor before you notice any significant symptoms.聽Routine eye exams聽enable your eye doctor to examine your eyes for signs of macular degeneration and other serious retina problems so treatment can begin as soon as possible.