Retinal Tear & Detachment

The vitreous is a clear, viscous liquid that fills the central cavity of our eyes and gives them shape. When we are young, the vitreous has a thick, gelatinous consistency and is firmly attached to the retina. As we age, the vitreous liquefies and eventually separates from the retina. Although this usually results in nothing more than a few harmless floaters, tension from the detached vitreous can sometimes tear the retina.

If liquefied vitreous passes through the tear and collects beneath the retina, the retinal tear can become a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment can cause significant, permanent vision loss and requires immediate medical treatment.

There are three kinds of retinal detachment. The most common form (rhegmatogenous retinal detachment), described above, occurs when fluid accumulates beneath the retina. People who are nearsighted or who have had an injury or eye surgery are most susceptible to this form. Less frequently, a pulling force can develop between the retina and vitreous or scar tissue, which may pull the retina loose (tractional retinal detachment). This type of detachment occurs most often in patients with diabetes. Third, disease-related fluid can accumulate under the retina and push it away from the eye wall (serous retinal detachment).

Signs of retinal tear or detachment include flashes of light, a group or web of floaters, wavy or watery vision, a sense that there is a veil or curtain obstructing vision, or a sudden drop in vision quality. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Early treatment is essential to preserve your vision.

Click here for more information on Retinal Tear & Detachment

back to top

Retinal Vein Occlusion

A retinal vein occlusion usually occurs when an artery supplying blood to the eye hardens (atherosclerosis) and presses on a nearby vein, making it difficult for blood to leave the eye. The restricted circulation leads to high pressure in the retinal veins, which can in turn cause swelling, bleeding, growth of abnormal blood vessels, and partial or total vision loss.

Vascular occlusions do not cause a change in the physical appearance of the eye, and they can occur with no pain or noticeable loss of vision. For these reasons, it is important to have routine eye exams and also to check one’s own vision by closing one eye at a time.

There is no cure for retinal vein occlusion, although treatment may be recommended to reduce vision loss or complications. Emphasis is placed on management of risk factors, treatment of symptoms and prevention of further vision loss. It is critical to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other health conditions that increase the risk of vascular hardening, narrowing and blood clotting.

Click here for more information on Retinal Vein Occlusion

back to top

Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages blood vessels supplying nourishment to the retina. Damaged vessels can leak, or become occluded, causing a loss of vision. Leakage from damaged vessels may cause swelling of the retina (macular edema) which can blur vision. Lack of blood supply caused by diabetic retinopathy may cause the formation of abnormal new vessels, which may bleed within the eye and result in vision loss (vitreous hemorrhage). In its advanced stages, the disease can cause blurred or cloudy vision, floaters, blind spots – and, eventually, blindness. Although the damage to blood vessels is irreversible and progressive, treatment is often helpful.

Fortunately, people with diabetes may reduce their risk of retinopathy by following a prescribed diet and medication regimen developed and monitored by their endocrinologist or internal medicine physician. Regular exercise, blood pressure control, and avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also reduce risk of vision loss. Routine eye exams, and timely treatment, are integral parts of making sure your eyes are healthy.

Although damage caused by diabetic retinopathy cannot be reversed, patients can be treated to slow its progression and prevent further vision loss. Treatment modalities include laser and surgical procedures.

Click here for more information on Diabetic Retinopathy

Flashes & Floaters

Although most flashes and floaters occur in people with healthy or merely nearsighted eyes, they may be symptoms of a serious problem, such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Flashes in vision are caused by stimulation of the retina. The cause of the flashes can only be determined by a careful dilated examination of the retina.

Click here for more information on Flashes & Floaters

back to top

Macular Degeneration Treatment

The macula is a part of the retina in the back of the eye that is responsible for our reading or central vision. It is the most sensitive area of the retina and is critical to our day-time color vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is primarily a genetic disorder (meaning that it runs in families) that results in damage and, ultimately, loss of cells critical for visual function of the macula. As retinal tissues begin to weaken and die, central vision loss occurs. Patients may experience a blurry, smudged or distorted area in the center of their vision.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States and other developed countries. Macular degeneration, fortunately, rarely causes total blindness because it does not often affect the peripheral vision. Risk factors include genetics, age, diet, smoking and, possibly, sunlight exposure. Regular eye exams are highly recommended to detect macular degeneration early and prevent permanent vision loss. Specific vitamin supplements may be recommended to reduce the risk of vision loss in certain individuals.

Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• A gradual loss of ability to see objects clearly
• A gradual loss of color vision
• Distorted or blurry vision
• A dark or empty area appearing in the center of vision

There are two forms of AMD: dry (non-neovascular) and wet (neovascular). AMD initially begins as the dry form with gradual thinning of the retina, loss of retinal pigment and the formation of small, round nodules beneath the retina called drusen. Vision loss with dry AMD is slower and can be less severe than with wet AMD although patients with dry AMD may develop significant visual damage after many years with the disease. There is currently no specific treatment for dry AMD although dietary modification and vitamin supplementation may slow the progression of vision loss.

About 10-15% of individuals with the dry form may eventually convert to the wet or neovascular form of AMD. "Neovascular" means new vessels. Accordingly, wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow into the retina as the eye attempts to repair the damaged tissue. Unfortunately, these new vessels are very fragile, and often leak blood and fluid between the layers of the retina (thus the term “wet”). Not only does leakage distort vision, but when bleeding occurs, scar tissue often forms beneath the retina. This damages the retina and creates a dark spot or smudge in the central vision.

Recent advances in retinal research allow doctors at NBVC to successfully treat many patients with early-stage wet AMD with the help of intraocular medication and, sometimes, lasers. These new treatments have greatly improved the prognosis for patients in the early stage of the disease. The presence of effective treatment also increases the importance of early detection. Early detection is more likely with regular retinal examinations and if the patient seeks prompt attention when new symptoms arise.

Click here for more information on Macular Degeneration

back to top