The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that enables a person to perceive different colors and light intensities. Various injuries and diseases can damage the retina and thus cause vision loss. A retina specialist in Jacksonville, Fl, can treat such conditions.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common serious that affects older people. It affects over 9.1 million people in the U.S. – including over 30 percent of people who are over 75. The disease affects a part of the retina called the macula. There are two forms of the disease: “dry” and “wet.” The dry form is actually an early stage of AMD and is thought to be caused by the macula becoming thinner as the patient ages. As the disease progresses, the patient develops “wet,” or neovascular AMD, in which new blood starts growing into the macula.
As AMD progresses, the patient gradually loses their central vision, so they can no longer read, drive, or use a computer. A retina specialist in Jacksonville, Fl, can diagnose AMD and provide the needed treatment.
In retinal detachment, the retina separates from the supportive tissue at the back of the eye. The patient may see floaters, spots, or flashes of flight. Their vision may become blurry or weakened. In some cases, the patient will see a curtain or shadow coming down over their visual field. A detached retina doesn’t cause pain, but it can lead to permanent vision loss. A patient who experiences any of the above symptoms needs to call their doctor immediately.
Retinal detachment can be caused by injury to the eye or face. Patients who are severely nearsighted have thinner retinas that are more likely to detach. Eye surgery complications can sometimes cause a detached retina.
A patient with retinal detachment will need to undergo surgery to reattach their retina. A retina specialist in Jacksonville, Fl, can perform the necessary procedure.
