Medical Retina Conditions

Dr. Neatrour will help you understand medical retina conditions and their effects on sight. Our expert care turns these changes into opportunities for proactive treatment.

Medical Retina Conditions treated in VA
Macular degeneration treated in Virginia Beach VA

What Are Medical Retina Conditions?

Your retina converts light into the vibrant images you see. Disorders affecting this light-sensitive tissue may cause changes in color perception, difficulty seeing in low-light, or distorted vision. But, getting an early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference in preserving your sight.

Common Medical Retina Conditions

Each condition below tells a unique story about your eyes. While these conditions are complex, we can guide you in preserving your vision.

Age-related macular generation treated in Virginia Beach

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Typically affects older adults, causing thinning or scarring of the macula – the central part of your retina. This can lead to blurriness and loss of central vision.

Diabetic Macular Edema treated in Virginia Beach

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

Occurs when damaged blood vessels in the retina cause fluid to gather in the macula, resulting in swelling, blurriness and dark spots.

Retinal tear treated in Virginia Beach VA

Retinal Tear/Detachment

As the vitreous gel shrinks, it can pull on the retina, causing tears. You may notice floaters or flashes of light. Fluid from the tear can cause the retina to separate, resulting in permanent vision loss.

Central Serous Retinopathy treated in VA

Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)

In CSR, fluid leaks from the choroid, a layer of blood vessels under the retina, causing the retina to separate from the underlying tissue. This can distort vision and affect color perception.

Retinitis Pigmentosa Treated in Virginia Beach

Retinitis Pigmentosa

A genetic condition causing the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells. This starts as a loss of night vision, which progresses to the loss of peripheral and central vision.

Retinal Vein Occlusion treated in VA

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)

A blockage in the retina’s veins can cause fluid and pressure buildup, leading to sudden, severe vision loss in either one eye or a part of the eye.

Understanding Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a medical retina condition common in those over 50. As a leading cause of vision loss, here’s what you need to know:

What It Affects It affects the macula, and disrupts central vision while leaving peripheral vision intact.
What Happens Yellow protein deposits (drusen) gather under the macula, gradually thinning and drying it out.
Symptoms Blurry vision, difficulty recognizing faces, wavy lines, dark areas in your central vision.
Risk Factors Age 50+, smoking, high blood pressure, high saturated fat diet, family history.
Rarely Rarely, AMD can be the result of blood vessels under the retina leaking fluid and causing scarring, called “Wet AMD.”

With early diagnosis and advanced treatments, AMD doesn’t have to limit your view of life’s beautiful moments. Let’s work together to keep your world in clear focus.

Understanding Age-related Macular Degeneration

Understanding What Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) Is

Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is a unique medical retina condition as it’s only found in diabetic patients.

Understanding What Diabetic Macular Edema
What It Affects It affects the macula, and disrupts central vision.
What Happens Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in your eyes, causing fluid to gather around the macula, making it swell.
Symptoms Blurred vision, dark spots, and double vision.
Risk Factors High blood pressure and cholesterol levels, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and pregnancy.

Getting regular eye exams and managing your diabetes is your best defense against developing DME.

Diagnosis of Medical Retina Conditions

Dr. Neatrour believes that understanding your eye health is a journey we take together. Our advanced detection methods are designed to identify conditions, and  find the path to preserving your vision.

  • 1
    Your Medical History: We begin by listening to your medical history, making note of any underlying conditions that could affect your vision.
  • 2
    Comprehensive Eye Exam: Then, we complete a thorough examination of your eyes’ retina, using eye drops to dilate the pupil, and a slit lamp microscope.
  • 3
    Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): We take high-resolution 3D cross-sectional photos of your retina, allowing us to identify swelling or structural changes.
  • 4
    Fluorescein Angiography: If needed, a fluorescent dye can be used to illuminate your eye’s blood flow, revealing hidden issues like blood vessel abnormalities or leakage.
  • 5
    OCT Angiography: A non-invasive imaging test providing us with a 3D image of your retina’s blood vessels in stunning detail.
  • 6
    Ultrasound: Used when opacities in the eye prevent us from getting a clear view.
  • 7
    Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations for inherited medical retina conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, giving us insight into the condition’s progression, and treatment options that would work for you.
Diagnosis of Medical Retina Conditions

Treatment Options for Medical Retina Conditions

Your journey to clearer vision is unique, and so are our treatment approaches. Let’s explore personalized options to protect and enhance your sight.

Remedy What It Treats
Eye Injections: delivers medication directly into the eye to reduce inflammation, slow disease, or improve vision. Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Retinal Vein Occlusions.
Vitrectomy: gently removes your eye’s vitreous gel and replaces it with a gas bubble or silicone oil to help the retina heal. Retinal Detachment, Macular Holes, Diabetic Retinopathy.
Laser Eye Surgery:  seals retinal tears or reduces abnormal blood vessel growth. Retinal Tears, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Vein Occlusions.
Scleral Buckle Surgery: a silicone band pushes the eye wall against the detached retina, allowing it to reattach. Retinal Detachment
Pneumatic Retinopexy: an injected gas bubble repositions the detached retina. Retinal Detachment
Photodynamic Therapy: a light sensitive medicine is injected into the bloodstream and activated with a laser to block abnormal blood vessels. Age-related Macular Degeneration (Wet)
Treating Medical Retina Conditions in Virginia Beach

Living with Medical Retina Conditions

Many medical retina conditions are life-long, but  you can manage the symptoms and slow progression:

  • Get regular eye exams for early detection.
  • Maintain a healthy diet rich in antioxidants.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Wear UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors.
  • Use proper lighting for reading and up close work.
  • Use low vision aids when necessary.

We’re committed to helping you maintain the best possible vision. For personalized guidance, please book a consultation with our team.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Success Stories

Susan’s Story

Macular degeneration - Susans Success Story

Eric’s Story

Working Together For Your Retinal Health

You don’t have to navigate your eye health alone. Visit Dr. Neatrour at the Beach Eye Institute, where we’ll take proactive steps together to protect and enhance your eyesight. Reach out today, and let’s work hand-in-hand to safeguard your retinal health.

Working Together For Your Retinal Health