These are often treated in the office with either laser or cryo (freezing) procedures Treatment of these is often necessary to prevent larger issues like retinal detachment from developing. Small retinal holes or tears may form within the retina, and may not be associated with any symptoms however, symptoms such as flashing lights and floating spots are not uncommon. Sometimes, the patient can develop a cataract post procedure, which can be treated during an additional surgery. If the vision becomes distorted enough, the membrane can be removed from the back of the eye by a skilled retinal surgeon. They can usually be monitored during routine eye exams but can sometimes result in painless loss of vision and visual distortion. Sometimes, the patient can develop a cataract post procedure, which can be treated during an additional surgery.Īn ERM occurs when fibro cellular membranes form on the inner surface of the retina. This mixture puts pressure on the edges of the macular hole and helps it heal. The vitreous gel is removed, and replaced with a mix of air and gas. The scleral buckle procedure is where a retinal surgeon stitches a silicone material to the outside of the eye when there’s a retinal detachment, which buckles the sclera and causes a decrease in the circumference of the eye and re-attaches the retina.Īn injection of gas may also be necessary, along with a laser to seal the retinal tears, and the vitreous cavity may then be filled with a medical gas or silicone oil to help with healing.Ī surgeon will perform a vitrectomy as treatment for macular hole repair. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries. For PPV a surgeon removes or replaces vitreous gel from the eye through the pars plana. Repair of Complex Retinal Detachments (PVR)Ī surgeon will perform pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling to treat a complex retinal detachment.These floaters can often be a sign that the retina is detached and can result in blurry vision or eventual blindness. Sometimes fluid inside the vitreous casts shadows on the retina, so you see small dots, specks, strings or clouds moving in your field of vision.

If you are experiencing flashes or floaters it’s important to seek a consultation from an eye doctor.Īs we get older, the vitreous may shrink and pull on the retina. Those who are at higher risk to develop include those who are nearsighted or who have had cataract surgery.

These vitreous cell clusters float inside your eye, and often fade or disappear on their own, and rarely require surgery. While they seem to be in front of your eye, they are floating inside and can often be seen when looking at a plain background like a wall. When you have a floater, you’ll see specks, circles or lines that can obstruct your vision. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness for Americans over the age of 60 and occurs in two forms: Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration. The macula helps us see fine details clearly, controls our central vision and allows us to read, drive a car and recognize faces or colors. Macular Degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (ARMD or AMD), affects the Macula, or center of the retina. Long term diabetic retinopathy can lead to visual loss and blindness. When sugar builds within blood vessels in the retina, it attaches to the proteins in the wall and alters the vessel’s normal functioning. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and a leading cause of blindness in American adults.

Retina center