Retinal Diseases

What are retinal diseases?

Retinal diseases affect the retina in the back of your eye, which is sensitive to light and converts it to electrical signals your brain sees as images. When damage occurs to the macula or other parts of the retina because of disease or injury, a retinal disorder may develop. Treatment can restore eye health, vision, and overall quality of life. 

What are examples of retinal diseases?

Common retinal diseases include:

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment develops when the retina in the back of your eye detaches from supporting tissues, negatively affecting vision and potentially causing blindness when left untreated. 

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that damages the retina and can lead to vision loss when not treated. It weakens blood vessels in your retina and is common among people with diabetes. 

Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of small blood vessels carrying blood away from the retina. It can cause vision loss in one eye, blurry vision, and complications like bleeding and swelling.

Macular degeneration 

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that affects central vision by damaging the macula portion of your retina.

Other conditions that can affect the retina and your vision include retina holes or tears, infectious retinitis, central serous retinopathy, inflammatory diseases, macular puckers or holes, macular edema, and inherited retinal diseases.

What are the symptoms of retinal diseases?

Retinal diseases can cause the following symptoms:

• Blurry or altered vision
• Eye flashes and floaters
• Blind spots in central vision
• Straight lines appear crooked
• Sudden vision loss
• Poor night vision

You might have a difficult time adjusting to changes in the brightness of light.

What are the risk factors for retinal diseases?

Risk factors for developing retinal diseases include:

• Family history of retinal diseases
• Retinal damage
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory conditions
• Infections
• Eye injuries
• Previous eye surgery
• Smoking
• Aging
• Excess body weight
• Extreme nearsightedness

Some medications also increase the risk of retinal diseases or other eye diseases. These diseases can sometimes cause blindness or vision loss when not addressed. See Dr. Shaikh at the first sign of vision changes.

How are retinal diseases diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing retinal disease consists of a comprehensive eye exam, vision screening, imaging procedures, genetic testing, or other diagnostic tests.

Treating retinal diseases varies by the type of disease you have. Dr. Shaikh might suggest:

• Eye surgery
• Injections
• Laser treatment
• Medications
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Photodynamic therapy
• Healthy lifestyle changes

It’s helpful to maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, and avoid smoking. Properly manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Protect your eyes from injuries and see Dr. Shaikh routinely for eye exams.

Schedule a retinal disease evaluation at Fairfax Cataract and Retina by phone or request one online today.