Have you been referred to a retina specialist? A retina specialist is a medical doctor who can diagnose retinal and vitreous diseases. They are highly trained and use advanced equipment and treatment procedures. Below are six reasons to schedule an appointment with a retina specialist.
1 – Retinal Tear/Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the vitreous moves away from the retina and tears the retina in one or more places. Fluid can pass through and pull the eye away from its normal position. The longer a detachment goes untreated, the higher the risk for permanent vision loss. A retina specialist can diagnose the problem and provide treatment, which includes laser treatment, cryopexy or pneumatic retinopexy.
2 – Intraocular Foreign Body
Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) usually occur after ocular trauma. It can be difficult to diagnose an IOFB, which is why the opinion of a retina specialist is recommended. Without proper identification, it’s possible for an IOFB to cause infection and inflammation, even years after the injury. To diagnose an IOFB, highly technical equipment is required.
3 – Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic eye disease, is a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The longer you have diabetes and the more uncontrolled your blood sugar is, the higher the risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can lead to retinal detachment, glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhages or blindness.
4 – Diabetic Macular Edema
Cases of macular edema (DME) must be treated by a retina specialist. Diabetic macular edema is a buildup of fluid in the macula, a part of the retina that allows us to see detail. Usually, DME can be treated with a series of injections.
5 – Retinal Vein Occlusions
When a retinal vein is blocked, it cannot drain blood from the retina, causing bleeding and leaking. There are two different types of retinal vein occlusion – central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). A retina specialist can diagnose the type of occlusion and the best form of treatment (i.e., injections, laser therapy) to prevent vision loss.
6 – Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Even though age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is common, the condition is serious and warrants a trip to a specialist. There is no known cure for AMD, and it remains the leading cause of blindness in Americans. If your eye doctor knows that you are at risk for developing AMD based on your lifestyle and genetics, they may refer you to a retina specialist for a more thorough prevention plan.
Retina specialists are highly trained and educated ophthalmologists that understand the retina. By scheduling your appointment today, you can have a clearer picture into your retina health. To schedule your appointment with Empire Retina Consultants, please call us at 718-646-2025.