The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Made up of millions of photoreceptors (rods and cones), the retina interprets the light that comes in through the cornea and lens, then signals travel through the optic nerve and into the brain. And that is how you see.
Vision can’t take place without the retina, and retinal diseases can cause vision loss that is very difficult to restore.
To avoid loss in vision from retinal disease, it’s important to know what some of the most common retina disorders are and to get them diagnosed and treated right away. Tyson Eye’s Retina Specialists, Roman O. Pravak, MD, and Marilyn Márquez, MD, have extensive experience and expertise in treating these common retina disorders and are ready to help you too.
Retina Disorders
As you age, the vitreous (gel-filled) inside of the eye shrinks. As that shrinkage occurs, a portion of the retina, the nerve layer at the back of the eye, may stay attached to the vitreous, causing a retinal tear. These tears may cause flashes or floaters in your vision and require monitoring by your eye doctor. If left untreated, retinal tears can cause severe damage to your vision or lead to retinal detachment, which is considered an ocular emergency and, in most cases, requires urgent surgery.
Other common retina disorders include:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration – the most common disease of the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and is the leading cause in visual disability in people over the age of 65.
- Retinal Vein Occlusion – a condition where a vein in the retina becomes blocked and can leak into the surrounding tissue causing fluid build-up in the retina and sudden vision loss.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – diabetes causes damage to the fragile, small blood vessels in the retina and cause symptoms like spots and floaters in the vision, as well as vision loss. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision impairment among working age Americans.
Come See Us
If you think you may have a retinal condition, or are experiencing symptoms or vision problems, schedule an appointment with us right away.
Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology to the area. Tyson Eye is committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old fashioned concern. Contact us for a free consultation today or call 239-542-2020.
