WHAT IS RETINAL DISEASE?

Retinal diseases are a range of disorders that affect the thin layer of tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina, which is responsible for receiving light and converting it into neural signals for the brain, is one of the most important parts of the eye.

Early symptoms of retinal disease include:

• Sudden appearance of floaters in the vision
• Blurred vision
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• “Shadow” over visual field
• Loss of vision

TYPES OF RETINAL DISEASES

There are quite a few different types of retinal disease. The most common types tend to be retinal tears and detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.

RETINAL DETACHMENT

A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from the underlying layers of the eye wall. This will lead to progressive loss of peripheral and, eventually, central vision. Left untreated, total, permanent loss of sight eventually occurs in most cases.

MACULAR DEGENERATION

Macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition affecting people age 50 years and older that is associated with central vision loss, which affects one’s ability to read, drive, or see someone’s face if it progresses to more advanced stages.

DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, a condition in which the blood sugar level is elevated because the body is unable to use and store sugar. This high sugar content damages blood vessels and can affect body organs such as the eyes, heart, and kidneys.

RETINA SURGERY AND OTHER TREATMENTS

Treatment options for retinal disease range from surgical interventions to injections of air, gas, or liquid into the eye. Your exact course of treatment depends on your specific diagnosis and your symptoms.