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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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