Retina And Vitreous Care In Evansville
We offer care in Evansville and the Tri-State for Diseases of the Retina And Viteous. Just call 866-295-2020.
Diseases of the retina and vitreous can cause vision loss and blindness. Here are some of the most common diseases of the retina and vitreous:
1. **Macular Degeneration**: This is one of the most common eye diseases treated by retina specialists. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with aging and is the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50 in America. AMD gradually destroys sharp, central vision[2].
2. **Diabetic Retinopathy**: Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the retina. The disease affects half of all Americans diagnosed with diabetes. It occurs when tiny retinal blood vessels become damaged from diabetes and begin to leak fluid or blood, resulting in blurred vision[2].
3. **Retinal Vein Occlusion**: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. This can cause vision loss and is often associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and other vascular diseases[2].
4. **Retinal Tear/Detachments**: A retinal tear or detachment occurs when the retina separates from the underlying tissue. This can cause vision loss and requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss[2].
5. **Posterior Vitreous Detachment**: Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye separates from the retina. This can cause floaters and flashes of light in the vision, but usually does not require treatment[2].
6. **Retinitis Pigmentosa**: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal dystrophies characterized by the degeneration of rod photoreceptors, followed by the degeneration of cone photoreceptors. This can cause night blindness and tunnel vision, and can eventually lead to complete blindness[3].
7. **Retinopathy of Prematurity**: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing less than 2.75 pounds (1250 grams) who are born before 31 weeks of gestation. ROP occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, which can cause scarring and retinal detachment[4].
8. **Epiretinal Membrane & Macular Holes**: Epiretinal membrane and macular holes occur when scar-like tissue damages the tiny portion of the retina responsible for seeing fine details clearly. This can cause distorted or blurred vision[2].
9. **Cystoid Macular Edema**: Cystoid macular edema occurs when fluid collects in the macular area of the retina, causing it to thicken and swell. The swelling may distort a person’s central vision[2].
10. **Vitreomacular Adhesion**: Vitreomacular adhesion occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye adheres to the macula, which can cause vision distortion and decreased visual acuity[2].
There are various treatments available for diseases of the retina and vitreous, including laser therapy, intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery[4]. Additionally, new approaches to diagnosis, outcomes of clinical trials, innovations in pharmacological therapy and surgical techniques, as well as basic science advances that impact clinical practice are being researched and published in the International Journal of Retina and Vitreous[5]. Microperimetry is also being used to assess retinal sensitivity in the presurgical or postsurgical evaluations of retinal diseases[6].
Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8160708/
[2] https://www.eye.md/retina-vitreous-diseases/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10139437/
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-021-01015-8
[5] https://journalretinavitreous.biomedcentral.com
[6] https://journals.lww.com/apjoo/fulltext/2023/03000/microperimetry_in_retinal_diseases.8.aspx