Retina Specialists are Ophthalmologists (Eye Surgeons) who sub-specialize in the medical and surgical care of the vitreous and retina. The retina tissue lines the back of the eye (Figure 1). If you think of the eye as a camera, the retina tissue is similar to the film in the camera. It “takes the picture” which is responsible for our vision. The macula is the center part of the retina. It is responsible for our central vision.
The vitreous is the “jelly-like” substance that fills the inside of the eye. This liquid is not essential for vision and can be surgically removed if needed due to various eye conditions and diseases. This procedure is called a “vitrectomy” (Figure 2). The eye produces natural fluid that refills the eye. The vitreous is not reproduced after it is removed nor is it necessary for good eye health.
Many diseases involve the vitreous and/or the retina. However, the retina tissue is unique in that it allows us to see a patient’s actual blood vessels during a simple eye examination. Therefore, many systemic diseases that affect the blood vessels are first discovered during a retinal examination. Retina specialists work with many other kinds of doctors to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and progression of numerous types of diseases that are not solely “eye diseases”.
We have listed below many of the diseases that a retina specialist treats on a daily basis. Please click on the American Academy of Ophthalmology website aao.org for a more elaborate discussion of these conditions. We have also listed further websites under the Resources section of our homepage for your convenience.
Some of the many other conditions we treat:
