Retinal Diseases We Treat

What Are Retinal Diseases?

Retinal diseases are conditions that affect the retina, the thin layer of tissue lining the inside back wall of the eye. The retina turns light into the signals your brain sees as images. Retinal disorders range from common conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy to rare and surgical cases that need specialized care.

Damage to the retina can develop with age, illness, or injury. Common symptoms of retinal diseases include floaters, blurred or distorted vision, flashes of light, or partial or complete vision loss. Most retina problems cause little or no discomfort. Catching retinal diseases early matters;  a prompt diagnosis by a retina specialist gives you the best chance to protect your sight.

At Wills Eye Physicians – Mid Atlantic Retina, we diagnose and treat the full range of retinal diseases for adults and children. Below, you will find the conditions we care for, common symptoms to watch for, and guidance on when to see a retina specialist.

Types of Retinal Diseases

Retinal conditions fall into a few broad groups based on what part of the retina they affect and what causes them. Select any condition to learn more about its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Macular Conditions

These retinal diseases affect the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision.

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration – A condition common in people over 50 that affects central vision. It has two forms. Dry AMD comes from deposits that build up under the retina and slowly break down cells in the macula. Wet AMD comes from abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid or blood and can cause faster central vision loss.
• Cystoid Macular Edema – Cyst-like pockets of fluid that form in the macula and cause painless blurring or distortion of central vision. It has several possible causes. There are multiple treatment options, depending on the underlying cause.
• Macular Hole – A small defect that forms in the macula, causing distortion, blurring, or a blind spot in central vision. Left untreated, the hole can grow, so prompt surgical treatment leads to better visual outcomes.
•  Macular Pucker – Also called an epiretinal membrane, this is scar tissue on the surface of the macula that pulls on the retina and distorts or blurs central vision. It usually progresses slowly, and surgery is often effective in improving or preserving central vision.

Retinal Vascular Diseases

These retinal disorders involve the blood vessels that supply the retina.

• Diabetic Retinopathy – Damage to the retina’s blood vessels caused over time by high blood sugar, and is a leading cause of vision loss in adults. Early on, there may be no symptoms, but it can progress to floaters, blurred vision, and vision loss. Managing diabetes and getting screened for diabetic retinopathy from a retina specialist can help preserve vision.
• Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion – A blockage in a branch of the retina’s main vein, which carries blood away from the retina. Symptoms can include floaters, blurred vision, and vision loss.
• Central Retinal Vein Occlusion – A blockage of the retina’s main vein that is often more serious than a branch occlusion. It can cause sudden, painless vision loss in the affected eye that may worsen quickly over hours or days.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion – A blockage in the artery that delivers blood and oxygen to the retina. It causes sudden, painless vision loss and needs immediate medical attention to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Retinal Tears and Detachment

These conditions involve the retina tearing or pulling away from the back of the eye and can threaten vision quickly.

•  Retinal Detachment – Occurs when the retina separates from the wall of the eye and from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen. Common symptoms include floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or curtain across your vision. Without treatment, it can cause total vision loss, so early detection leads to the best outcome.
•  Retinal Tears (Flashes & Floaters) – A tear in the retina that can result from eye trauma or from the age-related separation of the vitreous gel from the retina. Flashes and floaters are common symptoms of a tear or rip in the retina. In-office laser treatment can seal a tear and lower the risk that it progresses to a retinal detachment.

Other Retinal Conditions

• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy – A condition, most common in young and middle-aged adults, in which fluid builds up under the retina. Symptoms commonly include painless blurry or distorted vision. Stress and steroid medications are major risk factors. It often clears on its own in a few months but can recur or persist and, in some cases, needs treatment.
• Uveitis – Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the retina and the white of the eye. It can stem from infection or an autoimmune condition and may cause redness, pain, light sensitivity, floaters, and blurred vision in one or both eyes. There are many possible causes, and the best treatment depends on the underlying cause. Early treatment can help preserve vision.

Common Symptoms of Retinal Diseases

Many retinal conditions share warning signs. Some come on gradually, while others signal an emergency that calls for same-day care. See a retina specialist promptly if you notice any of the following:

• New or increasing floaters (dark spots, strings, or cobwebs that drift across your vision)
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A shadow or curtain spreading across your field of vision
• Sudden loss of vision
• Blurred or distorted central vision
• Straight lines that appear wavy or bent
• A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision

A sudden shadow, a burst of new floaters and flashes, or any sudden vision loss can point to a retinal tear, detachment, or vascular blockage that needs urgent evaluation. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact us right away. For any medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Expert Care for Every Retinal Condition

Many patients come to us after a referral from an optometrist or general ophthalmologist, though you can also request an appointment directly if you are experiencing symptoms. Our physicians are fellowship-trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina and vitreous, and they serve as the principal faculty of the Retina Service at Wills Eye Hospital, recognized nationally and internationally as leaders in retina care.

We treat everything from common retinal conditions to the most complex medical and surgical cases. Our care draws on advanced diagnostic testing and the latest surgical and non-surgical retina procedures. Patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy also benefit from our dedicated Centers of Excellence for macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease.

With offices across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, expert retina care is available close to home. To find a retina specialist near you, browse our locations or request an appointment today.