Conditions

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease in which part of the retina called the macula is damaged over time. This results in a loss of central vision and fine details. There is two forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet.

Dry AMD occurs when the macula thins and protein builds up over time, causing a slow loss in vision.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and leak under the retina, causing macular scarring. This results in a faster, more serious vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy is a condition that results from high blood sugar levels damaging blood vessels in the retina. These vessels can swell, leak, and/or occlude, thus leading to vision loss. The two main types include non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

NPDR is the early stage of the disease in which tiny vessels leak and cause swelling, leading to macular edema and ischemia.

PDR is more advanced, occurring when new blood vessels grow, bleed, and scar.

Retinal detachments/retinal tears occur when the retina pulls away from its surrounding tissue. This is considered an eye emergency because the eye does not receive the necessary blood and oxygen it requires. This can occur due to preexisting conditions or trauma to the eye. Symptoms may include flashes of light, floaters, and/or dark spot in vision.

The severity of the separation determines whether it is a tear or detachment. Some cases may be treated with a laser in office, while other cases may require surgery,

Macular edema is the build up of fluids in the center of the retina. This is usually a result of leakage of damaged blood vessels into the eye. This leads to swelling which can cause vision distortion and blurriness. Macular edema can be secondary to conditions such as diabetes, macular degeneration, macular pucker, retinal vein occlusions, and eye injuries.

Macular pucker, also known as epiretinal membrane, occurs when creases, wrinkles, or bulges form on the macula. Macular hole occurs when a tear or opening forms in the macula.

Both affect the central vision, leading to wavy/blurry vision. Age is the leading cause for these conditions. As you age, the vitreous sticks to the retina causing scar tissue or a hole to form.

A retinal artery or vein occlusion is also known as an eye stroke. This results from a blockage of blood vessels that feed the retina. A lack of oxygen and/or blood to the retina can lead to drastic vision loss. Such blockage usually happens due to a blood clot, hardening of the blood vessels, or cholesterol.

Risk factors include age, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis.

Central Serous Retinopathy is a condition in which fluid accumulates under the retina. This can cause detachment and vision loss. This usually occurs in young and middle-aged adults, especially men. Stress and steroid use are also risk factors. Blurry central vision is the most common symptom.

Tumors of the eye can be benign or malignant and must be evaluated by a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment are extremely important. There are not always obvious symptoms of eye tumors, so routine eye exams are highly encouraged.

Accidents happen, and we’re here for you when they do. Whether a fall, chemical exposure, or sports related injury, eye trauma should be evaluated as soon as possible. Bruises, punctures, scratches, and pain are all signs that trauma has occurred.