Retinal Conditions
The Retina Center of Pensacola diagnoses and treats conditions of the retina and vitreous including Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Vein and Artery Occlusions, Retinal Tears and Detachments, Macular Hole surgery, Macular pucker, Uveitis, Floaters and Flashes and complications from Cataract Surgery. Below are details on each of these retina conditions.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a chronic condition that causes central vision loss. It affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of blindness in people 60 and older. The chance of being affected by AMD increases with age. You should see an ophthalmologist right away if you notice difficulty with your vision. Early detection is key to avoiding vision loss.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the United States in middle-aged adults. New methods of treatment in recent years have decreased the risk of blindness among diabetics and have increased the possibility of retaining useful vision. A yearly dilated eye exam by a specialist remains the best way of screening and detecting early Retinal changes.
Floaters and Flashes
Floaters are little cobwebs or specks that float in your field of vision. Floaters are often noticed when looking at a plain background such as a white wall or a blue sky. They move as your eyes move and seem to drift when your eyes stop moving. The vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the eye, starts to shrink as we get older. It becomes somewhat stringy. Floaters are part of the natural aging process and simply an annoyance. They usually settle below the line of sight and do not go away completely.
Flashes are sometimes referred to as eye lightning and is the sensation of seeing flashing lights or streaks. It is caused by the vitreous gel rubbing or pulling against the retina
If you suddenly experience light flashes and/or floaters, you should contact the Retina Center of Pensacola immediately. Your retinal ophthalmologist can assess whether your symptoms are the result of a torn retina, a serious eye condition, or just a natural aging process.
Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment
The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside of the eye. It sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. When the retina detaches, it is lifted or pulled away from its normal position. Retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
Macular pucker and Macular hole
The macula is the part of the retina that provides the sharp vision that we need to perform delicate visual tasks such as: reading, driving and distinguishing fine details.
A Macular pucker is the result of scar tissue that contracts and creates a wrinkle or pucker on the macula which may affect your vision.
A Macular hole is a small break in the Macula.