There are quite a few conditions that can affect your retina, and some of them can be quite serious. We’ve covered a couple (AMD, diabetic eye disease) in our other Service pages. On this page, we’ll talk about a few more conditions that can permanently damage your eyesight if not detected early and treated quickly.
Retinal detachment, retinal artery occlusion, and retinal vein occlusion are all common conditions that can cause a loss of vision. All three can be treated if detected early, so frequent eye exams are important, especially as you get older.
What are Retinal Conditions?
Retinal conditions are diseases or disorders that affect the retina, the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. When the retina is damaged, vision can become blurry, distorted, or lost entirely, depending on the severity. These conditions include common issues like diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vein occlusions, as well as more urgent problems such as retinal tears and retinal detachments, which require immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss. Other retinal disorders include macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and retinitis pigmentosa, each affecting vision in different ways.
Retinal conditions often develop silently, especially in their early stages, which is why regular comprehensive eye exams are important—especially for those with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of retinal disease. Treatment varies depending on the condition and may include laser therapy, injections, vitamins, surgery, or close monitoring. Identifying and managing retinal conditions early offers the best chance of preserving vision and preventing long-term damage.
Retinal Conditions and Treatments
Retinal Artery Occlusion
A retinal artery occlusion is a blockage in one of the arteries that that carry blood to the retina. These blockages are caused by blood clots that travel through the bloodstream. These clots occur most commonly in people with diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. The condition will cause a sudden blurring of vision. You should contact your doctor immediately.
There are several treatments that can be used. Deep breaths cause the retinal arteries to dilate, possibly freeing the obstruction. Massaging the eye can push the blockage through. Clot-busting or blood-thinning drugs can also help, and may prevent an occlusion in the future. The condition can be avoided by maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and quitting smoking.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a serious condition that can cause permanent blindness. It occurs when the retina separates from the surrounding tissue. Your doctor can detect this condition early during a routine dilated eye exam.
There are several ways to treat a detached retina. Treatments involve using lasers, gas bubbles, or physically repairing the torn or detached retina. The type of treatment used depends on the type and severity of the condition.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion is similar to retinal artery occlusion, except that it occurs in the blood vessels that return blood to the heart. When a vein occlusion occurs, vision suddenly becomes blurry. You should contact your doctor immediately.
Treatments include laser therapy to reduce edema, drug injections to reduce inflammation, and surgery. As with retinal artery occlusions, the condition can be avoided by maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels and quitting smoking.
Meet Our Retinal Doctor
Jon B. Gunther, MD
Jon B. Gunther, MD
Locations We Treat Retinal Conditions
Retina Treatment FAQs
What are the warning signs of a detached retina?
A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision are the most common warning signs. Some patients also notice a general dimming or blurring of vision in one eye. These symptoms can develop quickly, so it’s important to be seen the same day they appear.
Are flashes and floaters always a sign of a serious problem?
Not always. Occasional floaters are common and often harmless, especially as we age. But a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or any change in your vision should be evaluated right away, since these can also be early signs of a retinal tear or detachment.
How are retinal tears and detachments treated?
Treatment depends on the type and extent of the problem. Small tears can often be sealed in-office with laser. A full detachment typically requires surgery, such as a scleral buckle, vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy, to reattach the retina.
Is retinal detachment a medical emergency?
Yes. A detached retina can cause permanent vision loss the longer it goes untreated. If you notice a sudden shadow, curtain effect, or significant increase in flashes and floaters, contact our office immediately; If you can’t reach an eye care provider, seek emergency medical care.
Can a detached retina be prevented?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent retinal detachment, but regular eye exams help catch retinal thinning or small tears before they progress. People with high myopia, a family history of retinal detachment, or a previous eye injury should talk with their eye doctor about how often they need a dilated eye exam.
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