By: Jacob Maslow
The retina is a tissue found at the back of the eyeball that helps the person to focus. It’s made up of nerves and light and pigment-sensitive cells called rods and cones. As with any other bodily system, the retina is subject to disease or damage. A person who’s having trouble with their eyes should see an ophthalmologist who may refer the patient to a retina specialist if they find a problem with the retina. Here are six conditions a retina specialist may treat.
1. Macular Degeneration
The macula is the part of the retina that allows people to clearly see what’s right in front of them. Macular degeneration affects central vision as the macula starts to deteriorate. It’s linked to aging and is often called age-related macular degeneration or AMD.
There are two main types of macular degeneration. The dry type happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula start to deteriorate. Wet macular degeneration is more serious and can cause a debilitating loss of vision. It happens when tiny blood vessels beneath the retina rupture. The leakage of blood can destroy a person’s central vision.
2. Detached or Torn Retinas
A detached retina is a medical emergency. It happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the patient’s eyeball. It can be caused by an injury to the eye, scar tissue over the retina, or fluid that builds up beneath the retina, as happens in wet macular degeneration. Symptoms include a loss of peripheral or side vision, flashes of light and floaters in the visual field, blurry vision in a person whose vision is usually sharp, or what looks like a gray curtain passing over the field of vision.
3. Cystoid Macular Edema
This condition happens when tiny spheres or cysts of fluid cause the macula to swell. This swelling is called edema. As with other conditions that affect the macula, cystoid macular edema, or CME affects the central vision. Unlike a detached retina, the peripheral vision isn’t affected by CME. Doctors aren’t sure what causes the disorder, though people with diabetes and other diseases that affect the eye are at greater risk.
4. Floaters and Flashers
Floaters and flashers affect nearly everyone who lives long enough. Benign floaters are caused by bits of collagen that clump up in the jelly-like substance or vitreous humor in the eyeball. Flashers are caused when the vitreous humor tugs at the retina. Floaters and flashers can be harmless if annoying or can be signs of a serious condition. A retina specialist will be able to tell the difference.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy
The excess blood sugar of diabetes can damage the retina to the point where the person goes blind. As with wet macular degeneration, damaged blood vessels start to leak beneath the retina and can lead to retinal detachment. There are few or no symptoms in the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. Later, the person experiences blurred vision and floaters and may have trouble reading and seeing distant objects when they could see them clearly before.
6. Migraines
People may be surprised to learn that migraines may come into the purview of a retina specialist. This is because these excruciating headaches can affect the eyes. Some eye conditions can make migraines worse, and migraines can worsen eye conditions. Migraines frequently cause sensitivity to light, visual auras, and pain in the eyes.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for advice regarding any medical concerns or conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment due to anything you have read here. In case of emergency, call your doctor or seek medical attention.
Published By: Aize Perez
