AdWords Retina

How do I know if I have a damaged retina?

Varying widely, retinal disease can cause an array of symptoms from floaters or flashing lights in the eye to sudden and severe vision loss. The retina, or thin layer of tissue, is located in the back of your eye on the inside wall. It contains light-sensitive cells that receive and make sense of what you see. When this thin layer of tissue is damaged, your vision begins to deteriorate. There are a few factors that increase your risk of retinal disease including natural aging, diabetes, eye trauma, and family genetics. If you have any of these risk factors or feel you may be susceptible to retinal disease, be sure to schedule regular eye exams. It is important that your optometrist and ophthalmologist work together to monitor the health of your eyes.

What are my treatment options for retinal disease?

From laser treatments to medicine injections, there are several retinal treatment options.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the cause of your retinal disease, your doctor will help you determine which treatment option is best for you.

• – Laser treatments are used to repair retinal tears or holes.
• – Treatment of retinal disease caused by diabetes usually depends on the location and severity of the disease. Careful monitoring of disease in the peripheral retina is standard. If the disease if affecting the macula and central vision, laser treatment is usually recommended.
• – Intravitreal injections of medications may help patients with chronic conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusions.
• – Low vision aids may help compensate for some vision loss from macular degeneration.