Signs You Might Have a Retinal Condition and What to Do About It
Originally published by Retina Group of Florida
The retina is essential for vision, housing millions of light-sensitive cells that capture and convert light into electrical signals for the brain to process. Retinal damage can occur due to various reasons, such as blunt force trauma, aging, or genetics. Let’s review some common retina conditions, their associated symptoms, and how to get help as quickly as possible.
Common Retinal Conditions
Retinal diseases vary in type and severity and can impact any part of the retina, a thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of the eye. Common retinal conditions include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): AMD occurs when cells in the macula, the center area of the retina, deteriorate and cease to function properly. It’s one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults.
- Diabetic retinopathy: This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood and fluid. Anyone with any type of diabetes can develop diabetic retinopathy.
- Flashes and floaters: Flashes can be observed as a shooting arc of light, or a burst of light in the corner of your vision. Floaters describe the symptom of seeing small lines or dots that move. These conditions occur when the vitreous (a jelly-like liquid that fills the inside of your eye) becomes condensed over time and separates from the retina.
- Retinal tears and detachments: A retinal tear is a rip in your eye's retina. A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the eye wall. A retinal detachment will almost always lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Macular hole and pucker: A macular hole is caused by a defect in the very center of the macula, usually as a result of the aging process. A macular pucker is scar tissue that has formed on the eye's macula.
- Artery and vein occlusions: A retinal artery occlusion occurs when the central retinal artery or one of its branches becomes blocked, typically by a small blood clot or cholesterol plaque. A retinal vein occlusion is when the blockage occurs in the central retinal vein or one of its branches.
- Uveitis: Uveitis is inflammation of the eye’s interior. In severe cases or if left untreated, uveitis can lead to vision loss.
- Other: Other retinal and ocular conditions include cataracts, central serous retinopathy, cystoid macular edema, endophthalmitis, retinal vascular disease, and more.
Symptoms of Retinal Conditions
Many retinal diseases share common symptoms, including:
- Seeing floating specks or cobwebs
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Defects in the side (peripheral) vision
- Vision loss
These changes may occur in only one eye or both simultaneously.
What to Do About Retinal Concerns
When it comes to retinal conditions, it's important to seek help from a retina specialist as soon as possible. They can accurately diagnose your condition and create a customized treatment plan. In some cases, damage to the retina may be irreversible. However, seeking early treatment can help prevent future vision loss or significantly slow down the progression of the disease. Common treatments include laser therapy, eye injections, and eye surgery.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retina Specialist Today
The retina plays a crucial role in how you see and interpret the world around you. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your vision, you should see a retina specialist right away. At the Retina Group of Florida, our expert team combines decades of experience with the latest in retina-care technology. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.