Retinal Conditions
Personalized, Top Quality Eye Care in Queens
At Focus Eye Care, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for various retinal conditions, helping patients in Queens, Long Island, and NYC maintain healthy vision. Our skilled team is dedicated to offering advanced care for issues like floaters, macular edema, and retinal detachment, ensuring every patient receives personalized attention and expert guidance.
Floaters and Flashes
Floaters and flashes are common visual disturbances caused by changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. While usually harmless, they may signal a more serious condition, like retinal detachment, if they appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms.
Symptoms of Floaters and Flashes
- Small, shadowy shapes or spots drifting in your vision
- Sudden, brief flashes of light
- Increased frequency or severity of floaters
Treatment for Floaters and Flashes
In most cases, floaters do not require treatment and may fade over time. However, sudden or severe symptoms should be evaluated immediately. For significant visual disturbances, options like laser therapy or vitrectomy may help reduce
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What are Floaters and Flashes?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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floaters.
Macular Edema
Macular edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. This swelling often results from diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, or inflammatory conditions.
Symptoms of Macular Edema
- Blurry or wavy central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Colors appearing faded or washed out
Treatment for Macular Edema
Treatment options include anti-VEGF injections to reduce fluid buildup, corticosteroid implants for inflammation, or laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent
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Macular Edema
National Eye Institute
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vision loss.
Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. This condition can affect other parts of the eye and is often linked to autoimmune disorders or infections.
Symptoms of Uveitis
- Eye redness and pain
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Blurred vision or dark floating spots
- Reduced vision
Treatment for Uveitis
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve corticosteroid eye drops, oral medications, or injections to reduce inflammation. In cases of infection, targeted antibiotic or antiviral therapy is
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Uveitis
Mayo Clinic
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recommended.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that occurs when the retina pulls away from its underlying support tissues, disrupting its function and threatening permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. This condition can develop suddenly and is often linked to factors like aging, trauma, or advanced eye diseases, such as severe myopia or diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment
- Sudden appearance of numerous floaters
- Flashes of light, particularly in peripheral vision
- A shadow or curtain-like effect across part of the visual field
If you experience symptoms of retinal detachment, go to the nearest emergency room or see an ophthalmologist right away to prevent permanent vision loss.
Treatment for Retinal Detachment
Surgical options such as pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling, or vitrectomy are used to repair the retina and prevent further vision loss. Prompt treatment can significantly improve
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Detached Retina
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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outcomes.
FAQs About Retinal Conditions
Floaters often result from natural aging changes in the vitreous, while flashes can occur due to retinal traction. However, sudden onset may indicate a more serious condition, like retinal detachment.
Some retinal conditions, like macular degeneration, have a genetic component. If you have a family history of retinal issues, regular check-ups are essential for early detection.
Maintaining good systemic health, managing conditions like diabetes, and regular eye exams can help reduce the risk of retinal diseases. Protecting your eyes from injury and UV exposure is also important.
Retinal conditions are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that may include advanced imaging tests. These tests can include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina to detect swelling, thinning, or other abnormalities.
- Fluorescein Angiography: Uses a special dye to highlight blood flow in the retina and identify leaking or damaged blood vessels.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Allows the ophthalmologist to examine the retina and optic nerve in detail.
- Ultrasound Imaging: Helps visualize the retina, especially in cases of severe clouding or bleeding.
These diagnostic tools enable ophthalmologists to detect retinal issues early and develop personalized treatment plans.
A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure in which the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed to treat various retinal conditions, such as retinal detachment, macular holes, or vitreous hemorrhage. During the procedure, the vitreous is replaced with a clear solution or gas bubble to help stabilize the retina and restore vision. Vitrectomy is often performed under local or general anesthesia and can significantly improve outcomes for many retinal conditions.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing symptoms of retinal conditions or have concerns about your vision, schedule a consultation with Focus Eye Care. We proudly serve patients across Queens, Long Island, and NYC, providing expert care to protect and preserve your eyesight.
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What are Floaters and Flashes? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-floaters-flashes. Accessed November 15, 2024.
2 National Eye Institute. Macular Edema. Available: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-edema. Accessed November 15, 2024.
3 Mayo Clinic. Uveitis. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/doctors-departments/ddc-20378740. Accessed November 15, 2024.
4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Detached Retina. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/detached-torn-retina. Accessed November 15, 2024.
The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
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