Retinal Disorders

The retina is one of the most import parts of you eye when it comes to good vision. The retina is the tissue that rests in the back of your eye as you receive light to help display images. When light is being prevented from reaching your retina, vision often becomes impaired. A variety of retinal diseases can pose a threat to your vision not only temporarily but could eventually lead to blindness if untreated. If you feel as though you maybe suffer from a retina disorder you should not hesitate to contact your doctor for further evaluation.

Diabetic Retinopathy is the damaging of blood vessels in the retina. At first, diabetic retinopathy may cause no problems but over time it may eventually lead to blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is prevalent in patients who have Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, so the longer you have diabetes the more likely it is you will develop diabetic retinopathy. It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels to help make sure that you are doing everything in your power to prevent diabetic retinopathy. Currently, there is no cure for diabetic retinopathy but there are laser treatments that can help delay the disease. The doctor will monitor the changes in your retina to make sure you are provided with the right treatment.

A Retinal Detachment is when the retina become detached from the choriod. The choriod is a thin blood vessel that provides oxygen and nutrients to the retina. If a detachment occurs it is a medical emergency because vision can be lost permanently if not reattached. Surgery is the only treatment for a retinal detachment. There are numerous surgical options depending on the size and type of detachment. A doctor will discuss which procedure will work best for you. Contact New Orleans Eye Specialists today if you feel as though you are suffering from a retina disorder and would like to discuss your treatment options.

Macular Degeneration is usually an age related disease in which the macula (center part of the retina) begins to deteriorates over time. Macular Degeneration does not cause blindness but it can have you central vision. You’ll have trouble seeing driving, reading and recognizing faces. If you are over the age of 50 and have noticed that your central vision does not seem as strong as it use to be then you should visit your doctor. Studies are still being done to determine the causes of macular degeneration and to find a more suitable cure. Currently there are no real treatments for macular degeneration but there are methods to help slow the progression over time.