Diabetic retinopathy is a condition affecting the eyes of people with blood sugars that are consistently too high. This chonic elevation of blood glucose leads to damage and blockage of small blood vessels of the body. This decreases blood flow to the tissues of the retina, leading to varying degrees of damage, swelling, and bleeding over time. As signs of damage build, a retina specialist is required for evaulation and treatment.

Age-related macular degeneration, othewise known as AMD, is a condition that can damage the central vision. It typically affects those 60 and older and can vary in severity and response to treatment.

A retinal vein occlusion is a condition usually affecting adults who are aged 50 years or older caused by blockage of the small blood vessels leaving the back of the eye. This can cause retinal bleeding or swelling which require treatment by a retina specialist.

Epiretinal membrane is a condition affecting older adults which affects the central vision of the eye. It is more common in those who have had eye surgery or inflammation inside the eye. If symptomatic distortion of the center part of the vision occurs, surgery by a retina specialist on a non-urgent basis is recommended.

Like macular degeneration, macular holes interfere with a person’s central vision and are most common among those over the age of 60, though they can affect people at any age. They generally affect only one eye, but can affect both. If you have noticed grey or black spots, blank areas, or other visual distortions (such as normally straight objects appearing bent) in your central field of vision, then you may have macular holes. It is important that you schedule an eye exam immediately.

These visual symptoms, especially shortly after they present, are associated with changes in the eye that can put those who experience them at risk for tears or detachments of the retina. A new onset of these symptoms should be assessed as soon as possible.

A retinal tear is a small break in the inner lining of your eye. Your retina can tear before it detaches completely. Retinal detachment and tears are a severe medical emergency and should be treated immediately to prevent further damage to the retinal area.

Retinal detachment happens when the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, the retina, pulls away from the eye wall. When this happens, it loses its connection to the blood vessels that provide oxygen to the tissue.

If the detachment isn't treated quickly, more tissue can detach, which increases the risk of permanent blindness.

Including, debilitating vitreous debris, vitreous hemorrhage, posterior vitreous detachment, as well as other less common conditions affecting the retina and vitreous gel of the eye.