Conditions We Treat

What is the retina? Your retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that allows you to see. Many conditions can affect the retina and impact vision—some gradually, others suddenly.

Below is a guide to the most common retinal diseases we diagnose and treat.

  • Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that occurs in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar over time damages the small blood vessels in the retina leading to vision changes.

    Symptoms

    • Blurry or fluctuating vision

    • Floaters

    • Dark or missing areas in vision

    When to call

    • Any new vision changes if you have diabetes

    • New floaters or sudden vision loss

    Treatment
    Monitoring, injections, laser treatment, and surgery when needed.

  • A condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

    There are two forms of macular degeneration:

    Dry Macular Degeneration

    • Most common form

    • Gradual thinning of the macula

    • Vision slowly becomes less sharpDifficulty reading

    Wet Macular Degeneration

    • Less common but more serious

    • Abnormal blood vessels grow and leak

    • Can cause rapid vision loss

    When to call

    • New distortion or central vision changes

    Treatment
    Monitoring, vitamins (selected cases), and injections for both dry and wet macular degeneration.

  • Retinal Vein Occlusion occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked.

    What Happens

    • Blood flow is disrupted

    • Fluid leaks into the retina

    • Vision becomes blurred or decreased

    Symptoms

    • Sudden blurry or dim vision

    • Usually in one eye

    Treatment

    • Injections to reduce swelling

    • Laser in some cases

    • Monitoring for complications

  • A serious emergency where the retina separates from the back of the eye.

    Symptoms

    • Flashes of light

    • Sudden increase in floaters

    • Curtain or shadow over vision

    When to call

    • Immediately — same day evaluation is critical

    Treatment
    Urgent surgical repair.

  • A Macular Hole is a small break or opening that develops in the very center of your vision. This is typically caused by the vitreous gel inside the eye pulling away from the retina as we age, eventually creating a tiny tear.

    • Symptoms: A "blind spot" or dark patch in your central vision, or a significant decrease in the ability to see fine detail.

    • Our Approach: Macular holes do not heal on their own and require surgical intervention. We perform a Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling. By removing the microscopic tension around the hole and placing a temporary gas bubble, we provide the "scaffold" necessary for the hole to close and for vision to stabilize.

  • An Epiretinal Membrane is a thin, transparent layer of scar tissue that forms over the surface of the macula. Think of it like a piece of clear plastic wrap that has become wrinkled; as the membrane contracts, it "puckers" the retina underneath.

    • Symptoms: Blurred central vision or metamorphopsia (where straight lines, like door frames or lines of text, appear wavy or distorted).

    • Our Approach: Using advanced OCT imaging, we map the thickness of the membrane. If the distortion affects your quality of life, we perform a Membrane Peel, a microscopic procedure to gently remove the scar tissue and allow the retina to flatten and "smooth out" again.

  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy is a condition where fluid builds up under the retina.

    What Happens

    • Fluid leaks beneath the macula

    • Causes temporary distortion of vision

    Symptoms

    • Blurry or dim vision

    • Objects may appear smaller or distorted

    Management

    • Often resolves on its own

    • Monitoring is key

    • Treatment if persistent

  • Sickle Cell Retinopathy occurs in patients with sickle cell disease.

    What Happens

    • Abnormal blood cells block retinal vessels

    • Can lead to poor blood flow and new vessel growth

    Symptoms

    • Often silent early

    • Can progress to vision loss if untreated

    Treatment

    • Monitoring

    • Laser or surgery if advanced

  • Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye.

    What Happens

    • The immune system causes inflammation

    • Can affect different parts of the eye

    Symptoms

    • Eye redness

    • Pain

    • Light sensitivity

    • Blurred vision

    Treatment

    • Anti-inflammatory medications

    • Treatment of underlying cause

  • Endophthalmitis is a serious infection inside the eye.

    What Happens

    • Bacteria or fungi enter the eye

    • Rapid inflammation and damage

    Symptoms

    • Severe pain

    • Vision loss

    • Redness

    Treatment

    • Emergency care

    • Injections of antibiotics

    • Sometimes surgery

  • Inherited Retinal Disease includes a group of genetic conditions that affect the retina.

    Examples

    • Retinitis pigmentosa

    • Cone-rod dystrophy

    Symptoms

    • Night vision problems

    • Loss of peripheral vision

    • Gradual vision decline

    Management

    • Genetic evaluation

    • Monitoring

    • Supportive care and emerging therapies

Retinal image showing signs of diabetic retinopathy, including hemorrhages and exudates.