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Retina

What is the Retina?

The retina is responsible for sending images to the optic nerve and then to the brain. A healthy retina allows you to see colors, shapes, tones and movements accurately. Most diseases of the retina appear as our eyes age. Early detection is critical and like an annual physical with your doctor, a routine eye exam is an easy way to screen and minimize tissue damage and vision loss.

If you experience any of the following symptoms you should call our office immediately:

Retinal diseases can affect your vision or lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of poor vision after age 60, affecting approximately 30% of people over the age of 75. AMD is a deterioration or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the center of the retina that allows us to see fine details and perform activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

More About Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

In the US, more than 37 million people suffer from diabetes mellitus. If you have diabetes, your body does not use and store sugar properly. High blood sugar levels create changes in the veins, arteries, and capillaries that carry blood throughout the body. Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina, the layer in back of the eye that senses light and helps to send images to the brain. Damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy.  

More About Diabetic Retinopathy

Detached and Torn Retina

A retinal detachment is a very serious problem that usually causes blindness unless treated. The appearance of flashing lights, floating objects, or a gray curtain moving across the field of vision are all indications of a retinal detachment. If any of these occur, see an eye doctor right away. Retinal tears can lead to a retinal detachment. Vitreous fluid, passing through the tear, lifts the retina off the back of the eye like wallpaper peeling off a wall. Laser surgery or cryotherapy (freezing) are often used to seal retinal tears and prevent detachment.

Laser Treatment

Various lasers are used for many ocular conditions including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal holes and tears. Dilation is required and the procedure is typically pain free.


Retina Providers

Deborah I. Witkin, M.D.
Deborah I. Witkin, M.D.
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