Diabetic Retinopathy see video

Diabetic Retinopathy is primarily the result of Diabetes damaging the normal blood vessels in the retina. There are two forms of damage; abnormal leakage of fluid or serum from the vessels and destruction of the retinal capillaries. This results in the retina not getting enough oxygen or nutrients and can stimulate the formation of abnormal blood vessels.

• Background Diabetic Retinopathy

  Background Diabetic Retinopathy is primarily the result of Diabetes damaging the normal blood vessels in the retina. The normal vessels begin to leak serum or fluid, the retina absorbs this extra fluid and the macula area will become swollen or thickened.

• Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

  Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is primarily the result of Diabetes damaging the capillaries in the retina. The retina stops getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function well, causing vision to begin to decrease if the macular region is involved. This leads to the development of abnormal blood vessels called “neovascularization”.

Macular Degeneration see video

Macular Degeneration is a very common eye problem and is the most frequent cause of visual impairment in people greater than 60 years old. This condition only affects the central vision and does not cause loss of peripheral vision or total blindness although central vision is the most important vision.

• Dry Macular Degeneration

  Dry Macular Degeneration is the most common form of Macular Degeneration. Patients will develop changes of dry Macular Degeneration first and it will remain "dry" in 85% of patients. It causes a slow progressive decrease in central vision over a time span of many years or decades.

• Wet Macular Degeneration

  Wet Macular Degeneration develops in 15% of patients who initially develop dry Macular Degeneration. Abnormal blood vessels form beneath the retina and leak fluid (serum) that collects underneath the retina. This condition is fragile and frequently will hemorrhage into the central vision.

Epiretinal Membrane (Wrinkled Retina) see video

Epiretinal Membrane (Wrinkled Retina) occurs when the vitreous gel contracts from the surface of the retina. This results in a slight amount of damage to the surface of the retina and is similar to scraping your knee when you fall. A healing reaction occurs resulting in a thin layer of scar tissue forming on the surface of the retina.

Macular Hole see video

Macular Hole is a gradual shrinkage of the vitreous gel resulting in a pulling on the surface of the retina surrounding the macula. This pulling gradually results in the formation of a hole in the center of the vision. Macular hole usually occurs in only one eye but 10 - 15% of patients can develop a macular hole in both eyes.

Posterior Vitreous Separation (Flashes & Floaters) see video

When we are first born, vitreous gel fills the eye. As part of the normal aging process the gel begins to shrink resulting in a separation from the surface of the retina. Areas of pulling develop resulting in flashes of lights.

• Retinal Tear

  Retinal tears are small holes that develop in the retina and can give rise to retinal detachment if left untreated. Treatment should begin as soon as possible as retinal detachment may begin within hours of the formation of a tear.

• Retina Detachment

  A retinal detachment will occur when a retinal tear allows fluid to flow from the front of the retina into an area beneath the retina. Detachments will start out small and expand to involve the entire retina if left untreated. An untreated retina tear will result in severe vision loss.