Reasons To See A Retina Specialist

Various eye conditions cause sudden or progressive loss or distortion of central or peripheral vision and frequently affect the retina. Retina specialists have special training to detect, treat and manage diseases or trauma that compromise the retina.

Macular Hole or Degeneration

Small holes can develop when the vitreous or gel-like substance in the eye pulls away from the retina’s center or macula. This can happen with age, injury or near-nearsightedness. Symptoms include visual disturbances and blurriness.

The same symptoms present with macular degeneration in either of two forms. The condition is dry when the retina’s center deteriorates or wet when blood vessels leak under the retina. Both types are usually due to aging.

Retinal Detachment

The retina is the tissue at the back of the eye that processes light. If it detaches from the tissue that supports it, the resulting symptoms include light flashes, floaters and darkened vision. Therefore, it is critical to visit an eye center Virginia Beach VA as soon as these symptoms appear to undergo vision-saving treatment.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Poor night vision is the first sign of retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that causes the deterioration of the light-detecting rods and cones of the retina, often resulting in blindness. Although there is no cure for the condition, researchers are developing treatments to forestall or prevent blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Patients with diabetes are susceptible the retinal blood vessel damage. The condition occurs when excess sugar in the blood clogs the vessel that nourishes the retina. In response, the body attempts to rapidly form new blood vessels, which can not support the flow of blood, which leaks into the eye. Scars from these ruptures and excessive fluid produce pressure leading to blurry vision and optic nerve damage. Without blood sugar regulation, diabetic retinopathy can have severe consequences, including retinal detachment.

The retina is a critical eye component necessary for vision. Therefore, frequent or abrupt vision disturbances could indicate a problem with your eye’s retina and require a prompt assessment.