Retinal Diseases
Diabetic Retinopathy
If you have diabetes, you are at a higher risk for serious eye conditions, like diabetic retinopathy. The disease occurs when damaged blood vessels leak into the eye, blocking the path of light to the retina. In some cases, these fluids can also cause swelling of the macula, the central portion of the retina that allows you to see fine details. We offer several treatments for diabetic retinopathy, including injection therapy, laser therapy using the state-of-the-art MicroPulse™ laser, and advanced microsurgical procedures.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration causes the structure of your retina to break down. In patients with AMD, deposits called drusen accumulate on the macula. This form of the disease is known as dry AMD. If left untreated, the condition may progress to wet AMD, which occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak into the eye. With early diagnosis and treatment we can slow or even halt the breakdown of your retina. Nutrition supplements and dietary changes are the most common treatments, although laser therapy and injection therapy can be very effective options for wet AMD.
Retinal Tears and Detachments
The crystalline lenses of your eyes are composed of protein and water. As you age, these protein cells may begin to clump. As these protein clusters grow larger, they will gradually obscure your vision. Fortunately, there is an extremely safe and effective treatment that can restore your vision and reduce or eliminate the need for glasses. During cataract surgery, your doctor will use the Alcon LenSx® laser system to remove your old lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Hypertensive retinopathY
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can have serious effects on many systems throughout the body including the eyes. Hypertensive retinopathy, the most common related ocular condition, can lead to vision loss. In addition to elevated blood pressure, risk factors include obesity, smoking, stress, and a family history of the disease. Although attaining a healthier blood pressure is the best treatment, our doctors may diagnose medications to aid in the management of the condition.
Epi-retinal Membrane
Macular Hole
As you age, the vitreous inside your eye may shrink. In most cases, this does not affect your vision, but if the vitreous sticks to your retina, it could tear the macula, which is located in the center of the retina. When this occurs, you may notice a blind spot in the center of your vision field, vision distortion, or an inability to distinguish details. Our doctors will remove the vitreous from your eye and replace it with a gas bubble, which will push the macula back into the proper position. As your eye heals, the vitreous will regenerate.
Floaters
When light passes through your eye, it focuses on the retina. This thin sheet of tissues converts light into electrical signals, and the optic nerve transmits them to the brain. Because of the retina’s vital function, retinal detachment is a serious, sight-threatening concern. However, full detachment is usually preceded by a retinal tear, which has obvious symptoms. These include flashes and floaters, as well as shadows across your visual field. If you notice these symptoms, you should contact us immediately.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa affects the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. The inherited disease is rare but can have serious consequences for a sufferer's vision. Initial signs include poor night vision and a narrowing field of sight. Eventually, only a small area of central vision will remain and the condition may result in blindness. If you have been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, your doctor will monitor your condition using a series of specialized tests.
Signs You May Suffer from A RETINAL DISORDER
Noticeable Floaters
Floaters, fibers within the eye which are often shaped like cobwebs, specks, or strands, are a common occurrence. However, a sudden increase in quantity and size of these fibers may be indicative of a retinal disorder.
Visual Distortions
A variety of visual distortions may indicate a retinal disease. These include flashers, lines that should be straight appearing wavy, changes in color perception, as well as increasing issues with night blindness.
Partial Loss of Vision
Several retinal diseases can lead to partial vision loss. This can include continuous blurring which causes blind spots in your central field of vision or loss of peripheral vision. You should notify your doctor of any symptoms.
Now let's discuss factors that may increase your risk of developing a retinal disease...
Are You High-Risk?THE ROLE OF GENETICS, LIFESTYLE, AND YOUR HEALTH
While there are many elements that may contribute to the likelihood of developing a retinal disorder, there are several key indicators that have been tied to retinal diseases including:
Diabetes
Smoking
High blood pressure
Obesity
Dietary habits
Cardiovascular disease
Age
Exposure to UV rays
A family history of certain conditions is typically considered to be the most significant indicator of risk for retinal diseases.
So, what happens in the eye to cause a retinal disorder?
Common Causes ofRETINAL DISORDERS
Leaking Fluid
With conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or wet AMD, fluid may leak from the blood vessels in the eye. If you have suffered retinal detachment, fluid can leak behind the retina through a tear. This can cause the retina to swell or damage cells, causing loss of vision.
Abnormal Pulling on the Retina
In cases of retinal tear or macular pucker, tissue can pull on the retina due to shrinking of the vitreous or the development of an epiretinal membrane. The tension placed on the retina can distort your vision. If you have a retinal tear, you may also experience flashers and floaters.
Deterioration of the Retina
If you have macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa, your vision impairment may be caused by deterioration of the photoreceptors, the cells within the retina that interpret light. When photoreceptors begin to deteriorate, your ability to see detail and definition, such as color perception and night vision, are negatively impacted.
So, you're afraid that you may not be able to control your retinal disorder...
"Many retina problems, if detected early, can be reversed."Retina Specialist, Dr. Lauren Kallina
There are a Variety of Proven Methods Available TO SLOW OR HALT THE PROGRESSION OF RETINAL DISORDERS
Control Health Conditions
If you have diabetes, are obese, or suffer from another health condition that can contribute to the risk of developing a retinal disorder, it is essential that you proactively control your condition.
Change Habits That Heighten Your Risk
Adjust your dietary habits and integrate foods that promote eye health. These include leafy greens, egg yolks, and foods rich in omega-3. Eliminating foods that are not good for eye health and quitting smoking can also lower your risk of developing a retinal disease.
Attend Your Regularly Scheduled Eye Exams
During eye exams, your doctor is able to evaluate the health of your eye and identify if there are any signs of retinal disease. If your doctor is able to catch a disorder early on, they can more effectively help you prevent further vision loss and restore clarity.
How can I find out if I have a retinal disorder?
Your Doctor can Evaluate Your Eye Health& IDENTIFY SIGNS OF RETINAL DISEASE
The doctor can conduct a variety of tests to evaluate for signs of abnormalities within the eye. These in-depth examinations allow the doctor to determine the location and severity of your condition. Your eye exam may include an Amsler grid test to evaluate the clarity of your central vision, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for up-close imaging of the retina, fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood vessels, as well as other diagnostic tests to identify injuries and other concerns.
This patient is undergoing diagnostic testing to evaluate her retinal health.
In addition to formal tests, the doctor will also typically discuss your medical history, eye conditions that run in your family, any changes that you have been experiencing in your vision, as well as how these changes are affecting your daily life. This information will play a valuable role in planning effective treatment.
So, what are my treatment options?
Depending on the Extent of Your Retinal Disorder,SEVERAL TREATMENT OPTIONS MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU
Laser Vision Correction
Laser surgery may be utilized to repair a retinal tear as well as shrink abnormal or leaking blood vessels. This can help prevent future vision loss.
Injection of Medication
Injecting medication into the eye may be an effective solution for patients with wet macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. This treatment can prevent new blood vessels from forming.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a procedure during which the vitreous, or gel-like fluid within the eye, is removed and replaced with a saline solution so that the doctor can remove scar tissue or make repairs. This procedure is often performed to treat several conditions including macular hole, diabetic retinopathy, macular pucker, and retinal detachment.
Scleral Buckling
Scleral buckling is a common treatment for retinal detachment in which silicone material is used to relieve some of the tension on the retina. This treatment is often combined with other treatments such as laser surgery.
You do not have to suffer with your condition...
Contact Your Doctor
Diagnosing your condition is the first step to a better quality of life. Your doctor can determine the source of your vision loss and help you prevent further impairment. Contact your physician to schedule an examination as soon as possible.
