Retina
The retina is the photosensitive nervous tissue that lines the back of the eye and is stimulated by the light we see. The retina is the “film” of the eye.
As we mature, the retina ages as do the blood vessels that nourish the retina. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and others can affect the health of the retina leading to blurry vision.
Some patients may develop age related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition in which the individual photoreceptors are gradually damaged and stop functioning leading to central vision changes. Our eye doctors can identify and treat both dry and wet macular degeneration.
Recent advances in treatment include medications than can slow down or even reverse damage in cases of diabetes, vessel occlusions or wet AMD.
In rare cases patients may develop a torn or detached retina. The sudden onset of “flashes and floaters” in one’s vision or the loss of peripheral vision needs to be investigated promptly with a complete dilated eye exam.
An annual eye exam especially in patients over 55 or in those living with diabetes or high blood pressure can help identify and treat retinal disease before they cause problems in vision.