Age Related Macular Degeneration
(AMD) is a deterioration of the retina and choroid that leads to a substantial loss in visual acuity (sharpness of vision). AMD is the leading cause of significant visual acuity loss in people over age 50 in developed countries.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy (pronounced ret in OP uh thee) is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina— the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back part of the eye, allowing you to see fine detail.
Retinal Vein Occlusion/Vascular Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusions occur when there is a blockage of veins carrying blood with needed oxygen and nutrients away from the nerve cells in the retina. A blockage in the retina’s main vein is referred to as a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), while a blockage in a smaller vein is called a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
Retinal Artery Occlusion
Retinal artery occlusion refers to blockage of the retinal artery carrying oxygen to the nerve cells in the retina at the back of the eye. The lack of oxygen delivery to the retina may result in severe loss of vision.
Macular Hole
The macula is a small area in the center of the retina where light is sharply focused to produce the detailed color vision needed for tasks such as reading and driving. When a full-thickness defect develops in the macula, the condition is referred to as macular hole.
Retinal Tear
A patient with an acute retinal tear may experience the sudden onset of black spots or “floaters” in the affected eye. This can have the appearance of someone shaking pepper in your vision. Flashes of light (Photopsia) are another common symptom. If there is associated vitreous hemorrhage (bleeding in the clear cavity of the eye) or retinal detachment, additional symptoms can include blurred vision or a shadow as if curtains are closing in from the peripheral (side) vision. However, in some cases, a retinal tear may not manifest any noticeable symptoms.
Retinal Detachment
A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. The retina does not work when it is detached, making vision blurry. A detached retina is a serious problem. An ophthalmologist needs to check it out right away, or you could lose sight in that eye.
Epiretinal Membrane
(ERMs), also commonly known as cellophane maculopathy or macular puckers, are avascular (having few or no blood vessels), semitranslucent, fibrocellular membranes that form on the inner surface of the retina. They most commonly cause minimal symptoms and can be simply observed, but in some cases they can result in painless loss of vision and metamorphopsia (visual distortion). Generally, ERMs are most symptomatic when affecting the macula, which is the central portion of the retina that helps us to distinguish fine detail used for reading and recognizing faces.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
The symptoms of vitreous hemorrhage are varied but usually include painless unilateral floaters and/or visual loss. Early or mild hemorrhage may be described as floaters, cobwebs, haze, shadows or a red hue. More significant hemorrhage limits visual acuity and visual fields or can cause scotomas. Patients often say vision is worse in the morning as blood has settled to the back of the eye, covering the macula.
Visually Disabling Floaters
As we get older, some of us may see “floaters” in our field of vision. In rare cases when many of these floating specks interfere with vision while driving or reading, one treatment option is vitrectomy—surgical removal of the eye’s vitreous gel.
Ocular Histoplasmosis
(POHS) causes atrophy (wasting) around the optic nerve and multiple scars, called histo spots, in the choroid. These symptoms are accompanied by new blood vessel growth (neovascularization) that starts adjacent to a histo spot.
Cystoid Macular Edema
Macular edema refers to an abnormal blister of fluid in the layers of the macula. From the side, it looks like the snake that ate too much. Like a droplet of water on your computer screen, the swollen retina distorts images—making it more difficult to see clearly. The more widespread, thicker, and severe the swelling becomes, the more likely one will notice visual symptoms of blur, distortion, and difficulty reading.
Inherited Macular and Retinal Disease
An inherited retinal disorder (IRD) alters the structure and function of the retina and impairs vision. IRDs are rare. There are many types. Most IRDs affect the light-sensitive cells that are known as photoreceptors, reducing or preventing responses to light in the retina and leading to vision impairment.
Complications Related to Cataract Surgery
For most people, cataract surgery goes smoothly. You end up with better vision and recover without any long-term issues. But like any surgery, there are risks, especially if you have other eye problems or a serious medical condition. There are several complications that we treat when there are complications post-surgery.
Endophthalmitis
This is an infection inside the eye that can either be acute or chronic, meaning that it can develop very rapidly which is most common, or develop slowly and persist for long periods of time.
Uveitis
Uveitis occurs when the middle layer of the eyeball gets inflamed (red and swollen). This layer, called the uvea, has many blood vessels that nourish the eye. Uveitis can damage vital eye tissue, leading to permanent vision loss.
Ocular Tumor
In the United States, choroidal melanoma affects approximately 2,500 people per year with an incidence of 6 per million. Ocular melanoma is more common in fair-skinned individuals.