Retinal Diseases
The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and is connected to the retina, optic nerve and many blood vessels.
Problems with the retina and vitreous -- including retinal tear and detachment, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, infection and trauma -- can lead to vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment are critical in correcting problems before vision is lost and preventing further deterioration from occurring.
Retinal Exam and Consultation
A healthy retina is essential to maintaining clear vision and overall eye functioning. A retinal exam may be recommended by your doctor if any potential retinal abnormalities were detected during a general eye exam, or for patients at a higher risk of developing retinal conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal detachment and more.
During a retinal exam and consultation, your doctor will perform series of diagnostic procedures in order to evaluate the retina for any signs of disease or abnormalities. These tests may include visual field test, fluorescein angiography, fundus photography and more.
Your doctor will take the time to discuss the results of your exams, as well as any potential risks of retinal disease with you. Patient education and understanding is a top priority of our practice, as it often help patients achieve the most effective treatment as they know how to care for their condition.
Laser Retina Surgery
Laser retina surgery can be used to treat a wide range of retinal conditions through minimally invasive techniques that produce precise, long-lasting results. Although your eyes may look and feel normal with these diseases, they can often lead to serious complications such as hemorrhaging and blindness. Lasers have been used to treat eye diseases for over 30 years and produce effective results with no damage to surrounding tissue and no need for needles. It has quickly become the standard for eye disease treatment.
Laser surgery can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachments and more. Depending on the patient's condition, the laser may be used to seal leaking blood vessels, repair tears, remove newly formed blood vessels or destroy tumors. These procedures are performed in the doctor's office and require only anesthetic eye drops to numb the area prior to treatment. Laser treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes to perform, and patients can go home immediately following surgery. Most patients return to work and other normal activities the next day.
To learn more about the treatments we offer for macular degeneration, please call us today to schedule an appointment.