Retina
What Is the Retina?
The retina is the multi-layered tissue lining the back of the eye. This part of the eye captures light rays and converts them into images. When the delicate retinal tissue becomes damaged as a result of injury or disease, the eye loses its ability to convert light into images, which may significantly reduce vision. Most often early detection and treatment may prevent vision loss and preserve eye health.
The providers at Ocean Ophthalmology are experienced in early diagnosis and effective treatment of a range of retinal diseases including:
- Macular Degeneration- occurs when the central part of the back of the eye deteriorates.
- Diabetic Retinopathy- caused by high blood sugar due to diabetes ○ Can be treated with injections, laser treatment, or eye surgery
- Epiretinal Membrane- thin layer of scar tissue that develops on the surface of the retina
- Retinal tear can occur when the retina pulls away from the outer layer of the eye, this is treated with laser surgery. Floaters, Flashes and Posterior Detachment-The majority of the time vitreous detachment occurs without complications. However between 8-26% of patients who complain about floaters associated with a posterior vitreous detachment are found to have a retinal tear. Treatment with laser will prevent the tear from becoming a retinal detachment. BRVO-Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion is when a branch of one of the veins in the eye becomes blocked. When the vein is blocked, blood and fluid can leak out into the retina. Some cases may require treatment with a class of medication called anti-VEGF medications. Also Laser and steroids may also play a role in treatment.
- CRVO-Central Retinal Vein Occlusion is in contrast to a branch retinal vein occlusion(BRVO) where only a branch of the central retinal vein is blocked. When the vein is blocked, blood and fluid can leak out into the retina. Treatment for central vein occlusion involves a class f medications called anti-VEGF. Lasers and steroids may also play a role in treatment.
- Vitreous Hemorrhage-The Vitreous is a gel-like substance that is ((% water and is 1% collagen and hyaluronic acid. It makes up 80% of the volume of the eye and occupies the space between the lens and the back of the eye. Symptoms include floaters, cobwebs, strings or lines in the vision, hazy or blurry vision, or shadows. Lasers may be used if the hemorrhage is caused by a retinal tear. If caused by diabetes or vein occlusions, then treatment may involve medications injected into the eye.
- Hypertensive Retinopathy is caused by high blood pressure. You might not have any symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. As the conditions progresses you might develop: spots or dark strings floating in your vision, blurred vision, fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in your vision and vision loss. Treatment options include surgery, laser, or eye injections.
- Plaquenil is a medication used to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory and dermatologic conditions. Extended use of Plaquenil can damage the central vision and cause permanent vision loss if not detected early. If the patient does not have any special risk factors, annual screening is recommended after 5 years. The goal of monitoring patients on plaquenil is to detect any damage to the retina in the earliest stages.
Schedule a consultation with us and receive a complete evaluation of your eye health, as well as expert advice on the most appropriate treatment.