Retinal Disorders in Delray Beach, FL

Retinal disorders are eye conditions that impact the retina or the vital light-sensing nerve tissue located in the back of the eye. The retina is responsible for transmitting visual data to the brain via the optic nerve, while the macula (center area of the retina) helps refine and sharpen our vision. Together, these structures support our central, peripheral, and night vision. While the effects of retinal problems can vary, vision loss is a common concern for patients with these eye issues. Without professional intervention by a retina specialist or retina surgeon, retinal disorders can lead to other visual disturbances, including blindness. At Rothchild Eye Institute in Delray Beach, FL, our retina specialist offers expert care in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of retinal diseases and conditions. If you have symptoms of retinal problems, we encourage you to schedule a visit to our ophthalmology practice and speak to a retina specialist or retina surgeon.

Patients can experience several symptoms of retinal problems. The most common signs an individual may be experiencing retinal damage include:

• Dim central vision
• Eye floaters
• Light flashes
• Double vision
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Sudden loss of vision
• Difficulty seeing at night or adjusting to changes in light

If you experience any of these issues, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment to review the problem with a retina specialist and provide treatment options to prevent further damage.

If you have a retinal disorder, such as a retinal tear, retinitis pigmentosa, or eye floaters, you'll likely want to seek out the help of a skilled retina specialist, like those at Rothchild Eye Institute. At our premier Delray Beach, FL office, we regularly provide laser treatment for a tear in the retina, eye retina damage treatment, and in some cases, eye operations for the retina. While getting treatment to your eye may seem daunting, there are a number of benefits for staying on top of your occular health. Just a few of the benefits our patients experience after retinal disorder treatment include the following:

• Improved vision
• Reduce chances of vision worsening or vision loss
• Ability to manage day-to-day tasks without frustrating floaters or clouded eyesight
• Reduced light sensitivity

Retinal disorders happen for many reasons, including age, genetics, environment, and health problems. As people get older, they are more likely to get retinal diseases like macular degeneration. Some families have a history of retinal problems, making it more likely for them to get these conditions too. Things like being in the sun too much can hurt the retina. Also, if someone has diabetes or high blood pressure, it can affect their retinas, leading to diseases like diabetic retinopathy. Eye injuries can cause the retina to tear or detach. It's important to check your eyes regularly and keep a healthy lifestyle to protect your eyes and keep them healthy.

While risk factors for retinal disorders may vary slightly based on the disorder, there are some common risk factors among many retinal disorders. If you have any of the below risk factors, we suggest scheduling an appointment so one of our team members can take a close look at your eyes for retina damage and suggest a treatment plan. The sooner we discover any complications with your eyes, the less likely we will have to perform an eye operation on your retina or elsewhere. Some common risk factors include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Obestity
• Diabetes
• Previous eye injuries, retinal tears, or hypertension
• Family history

Retinal disorders are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination that includes several specialized tests. At our office, we may use imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to capture detailed images of the retina, allowing for a closer look at its structure and any abnormalities. Fluorescein angiography is another method, where a fluorescent dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight the blood vessels in the eye during imaging, helping to identify circulation issues or leakage. Additionally, visual field tests may be conducted to assess peripheral vision and detect any areas of vision loss. These diagnostic tools, combined with a thorough review of the patient's medical history and symptoms, enable eye care professionals to accurately identify and assess the severity of retinal disorders.

Some of the most common symptoms of retinal problems include distorted or blurry vision, double vision, tunnel vision, flashes of light, black spots, and changes in visual acuity. During a comprehensive eye exam at Rothchild Eye Institute, our retina specialist may dilate your pupils to evaluate the internal structures of your eye. A series of tests, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or angiography, may also be conducted to further evaluate retinal damage. If a retinal concern is present, our retina specialist will recommend treatment options to help treat or manage the condition. We utilize state-of-the-art technologies and techniques to treat a wide range of retinal problems, including:

• Retinal detachment: When this occurs, the retina has separated from the blood vessels that help keep it vital. Emergency treatment is needed in the case of retinal detachment and may include vitrectomy, scleral buckle, or pneumatic retinopexy.
• Retinal tears: A tear or hole in the retina can progress to retinal detachment if left untreated. Retinal tears may be repaired with laser surgery by a retina surgeon or cryotherapy to adhere the retina to the back wall of the eye.
• Retinal pucker: A retinal pucker is scar tissue that has developed on the macula. While some cases of retinal pucker may resolve on their own, advanced conditions often require surgical treatment by a retina surgeon, which could include vitrectomy with a membrane peel to remove the scar tissue.
• Retinitis pigmentosa: As a group of eye diseases, retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary condition that affects how the retina processes light and can impair vision in a variety of ways. Treatment modalities generally center on managing other eye conditions caused by retinitis pigmentosa, such as macular edema and cataracts.
• Eye floaters: Small dots, strings, or circles that float through your field of vision are often an age-related condition caused by the shrinking of vitreous fluid in your eye. In some cases, however, floaters can be a symptom of retinal detachment or tears. Treatment options may include vitrectomy procedures or center on repairing retinal damage.

How are retinal disorders detected?
Generally speaking, a comprehensive eye exam will need to be performed, including a dilated eye exam. Following your eye assessment, your ophthalmologist will be able to determine the information necessary to identify your issue and create a treatment plan.

Is retinal damage permanent?
Once a retinal problem becomes more advanced, we cannot reverse the effects. As soon as you notice any changes in your vision, our team encourages you to schedule an appointment. Additionally, we recommend always attending your yearly eye exam so we can perform a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, which may include dilation.

How can I strengthen my retina?
When it comes to strengthening your retina, we highly recommend several things, such as taking vitamins and minerals, staying healthy, treating underlying conditions, and wearing protective sunglasses. Our retina specialist can provide additional details at your appointment.

Are there lifestyle changes I can make to support retinal health?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help support retinal health. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like A, C, and E can promote eye health. Additionally, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, avoiding smoking, and wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays can contribute to better retinal health.

Can retinal disorders develop suddenly, or do they progress over time?
Retinal disorders can develop both gradually and suddenly, depending on the condition. Some disorders, like diabetic retinopathy, may progress over time, while others, such as retinal detachment, can occur suddenly. Any sudden changes in vision, such as flashes of light or floaters, should be treated as a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate care.

How often should I schedule follow-up appointments for retinal disorders?
The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on the type and severity of your retinal disorder. For some conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, more frequent monitoring may be necessary, while other conditions may require less frequent visits. Your ophthalmologist will create a personalized follow-up plan to monitor your condition closely.

When it comes to diagnosing and treating retinal disorders, it is important to partner with a retina specialist to help preserve your vision and eye health. Our retina specialist at Rothchild Eye Institute proudly offers comprehensive care for retinal diseases for children and adults throughout Palm Beach County. Find out more about your treatment options by scheduling an eye exam at our Delray Beach, FL facility.