Types of Retinal Diseases and Conditions By Walter Choate on November 29, 2016

At Choate Eye Associates, Dr. Walter Choate and his team provide exceptional treatment for the full range of eye diseases and disorders, including a variety of retinal conditions. The retina is a thin layer of tissue located along the back wall of your eye. It is responsible for collecting and organizing light cells and transmitting them as visual information to your brain via the optic nerve. A properly functioning retina is necessary to clear, crisp vision.

Most of the types of retinal conditions we treat at our Nashville, TN eye care center are fairly common and manageable. It is usually possible to stop or at least slow the progress of retinal conditions when they are caught in their earliest stages. This is why it is so important that patients seek immediate treatment whenever they experience abnormal visual symptoms. Retinal diseases can affect either peripheral or central vision, depending on which part of the retina is damaged.

If you are experiencing symptoms of any of the retinal conditions detailed in this blog post, or any other abnormal visual symptoms, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at Choate Eye Associates today.

Common Retinal Conditions

There are many retinal conditions, all of which we can treat at Choate Eye Associates. The following are just a few of the most common conditions:

Macular degeneration: This condition affects the center of the retina, or the macula, and is most commonly a result of the aging process (age-related macular degeneration, or AMD). The most common early symptom is distortion of straight lines, which start to appear wavy. Gradually, central vision becomes worse while peripheral vision remains unchanged. If left untreated, a blind spot develops in the central vision.
Diabetic retinopathy: This condition results from damaged blood vessels in the retina due to the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes. Early symptoms of the disease include blurred vision, dark spots, flashing lights, pressure or pain in the eyes, and compromised peripheral vision. If left untreated, permanent vision loss will result.
Retinal tears: Although rare, tears in the retina can be a precursor to retinal detachment. Retinal tears are more likely to occur in people over the age of 50 who are extremely nearsighted, especially those who have undergone cataract surgery. Common early symptoms include a sudden increase in floaters and flashes and a decline in peripheral vision.
Retinal detachment: A retinal detachment is a serious emergency. Timely treatment is necessary to salvage vision. People at risk for retinal detachment include those at risk for retinal tears, as well as those who have suffered previous eye injuries or who have other serious eye diseases or disorders. Symptoms of retinal detachment include a sudden increase in floaters and flashes and, in some cases, the sudden presence of a shadowy “curtain” over the entire field of vision.