Retinal Eye Diseases

The back of the eye is made up of the retina and vitreous. The retina is the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and sends visual messages through the optic nerve to the brain. The vitreous is the gel-like substance that allows the eye to maintain its shape while still allowing light to enter the retina. The retina is susceptible to a variety of diseases, inherited retinal degenerations, uveitis and eye cancers.

Learn more about some of the retinal eye diseases that can affect your vision.

Macular Degeneration: This is one of the most common eye diseases treated by retina specialists. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with aging and it is the leading cause of blindness among people over the age of 50 in America. AMD gradually destroys sharp, central vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a potentially blinding complication of diabetes that damages the retina. It occurs when tiny retinal blood vessels become damaged from diabetes and begin to leak fluid or blood, resulting in blurred vision.

Retinal Vein Occlusion: This disorder occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, preventing adequate blood flow. The walls of the vein leak excess fluid, swelling the retina.

Retinal Tears/Detachments: Rips and tears occur when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. Liquid that passes through the tear and settles under the retina can separate the retina from the back wall of the eye, resulting in a retinal detachment.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment: Inside the vitreous are millions of thin fibers that interlock and connect to the retina. During the aging process, the vitreous begins to shrink, causing the thin fibers to pull on the surface of the retina. When those fibers are pulled too tight, they break, allowing for the vitreous to detach from the retina.

Cystoid Macular Edema: Fluid collects in the macular area of the retina causing it to thicken and swell. The swelling may distort a person’s central vision.

To learn more about retinal eye diseases in Phoenix, contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or associatedretinaconsultants.com.