Retinal Conditions

At the back of the eye is the retina, a thin layer of photosensitive nerve cells that processes light to produce images. Retinal damage or diseases can significantly impair vision or even lead to vision loss. Retinal conditions require early detection and effective treatment.
Depending on the condition, retinal conditions can be treated through medications, injections, laser surgery, or vitrectomy.

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a result of thinning of the macula. This can cause changes to the way colors are seen, blind spots, distorted vision, and potentially loss of central vision.

Diabetic Retinopathy

When a person has diabetes, his or her body’s ability to process blood sugar is impacted. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high levels of blood sugar cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is treatable, but treatment is most effective when the condition is diagnosed in its early stages. Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source Treatment may include medications to reduce swelling and slow vision loss, laser surgery, or a vitrectomy (the removal of the vitreous gel and blood from the back of the eye).
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Retinal Detachments

When the retina partially or fully tears away from the back of the eye, it is an urgent eye condition. Retinal detachment can cause permanent vision loss without immediate treatment, which may involve vitrectomy, laser surgery, cryotherapy or other procedures.

Retinal Tears

Retinal tears can be caused by aging of the eye or an injury. Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment and should be evaluated and treated promptly.

Flashes & Floaters

Flashes and floaters are seen as flashes of light, dark specks, or dark strands in the field of vision. These are typically caused by changes in the vitreous gel and are usually harmless. Still, flashes and floaters should be evaluated by an experienced ophthalmologist.

Macular Edema

When the delicate macula becomes swollen or inflamed, central vision can be distorted. Macular edema is treated with anti-inflammatory eye drops, injections, and/or surgery.

Macular Holes

A tear in the macula, or a macular hole, is caused when the vitreous pulls away from the retina. This can cause blurred central vision, distort straight lines to look wavy, and make performing daily tasks like reading difficult. Macular holes are treated with surgery.

Corneal Conditions

The clear part at the front of the eye is the cornea, which is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. Corneal conditions and diseases can cause discomfort, blurry or distorted vision, and even vision loss. Our corneal disease specialists offer state-of-the-art treatment for all corneal conditions, including:

Dry Eye

More than 16 million Americans suffer from dry eye, which can cause discomfort, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, poor night vision, and other complications. We offer the latest treatments for dry eye, including:

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Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become misshapen. This distorts the way light is refracted, causing vision problems. As keratoconus progresses, the cornea can become thinner and weaker. At advanced stages, keratoconus is treated with a surgical procedure called Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source What is Keratoconus? American Academy of Ophthalmologists Go to Source corneal cross-linking .
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Pterygium

A pterygium appears on the conjunctiva (the clear outer layer of the eye) as a raised, wedge-shaped growth. While this is a benign growth, pterygia can cause irritation, the sensation that something is in the eye, and redness. Smaller pterygium may be treated with lubricating or steroid eye drops. When pterygia become larger and may impact vision, they must be Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium (Surfer's Eye)? American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source surgically removed .
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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve, and is often caused by high pressure within the eye. Glaucoma is a progressive disease that causes permanent damage to the optic nerve, and needs to be controlled by an experienced ophthalmologist who can preserve the patient’s vision. Prescription eye drops can help to lower pressure within the eye. In more Trusetd Source Checkbox Trusted Source What is Glaucoma? American Academy of Ophthalmology Go to Source severe cases , laser surgery is performed to improve the eye’s drainage.
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Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy. Accessed March 15, 2022.

2 American Academy of Ophthalmologists. What is Keratoconus? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-keratoconus. Accessed March 15, 2022.

3 American Academy of Ophthalmology, What Is a Pinguecula and a Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye)? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/pinguecula-pterygium. Accessed March 15, 2022.

4 American Academy of Ophthalmology. What is Glaucoma? Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma. Accessed March 15, 2022.

The doctors at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.

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