Retinal Disease

While retinal diseases can range from mild to severe, they can affect your eyesight. At Next Level Retina in Oak Brook, Illinois, retina specialist Neel Lamba, MD, MBA, is an expert who can identify retinal diseases, provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer effective treatment solutions to help your vision thrive. Book an eye exam today by phone or online.

What are retinal diseases?

Retinal diseases encompass a wide range of conditions affecting your retina, the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye. The retina plays a crucial role in your vision by converting light into signals that get sent to your brain through your optic nerve. 

When you have a damaged or diseased retina, it can lead to vision impairment or even blindness.

What might indicate I have a retinal disease?

Signs of a potential retinal disease encompass various visual changes. These changes may include blurry or distorted vision, difficulties with low-light environments, or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. 

You might also notice floaters — small, dark spots or lines that appear to drift across your field of vision. Flashes of light, particularly in your peripheral vision, may signal retinal traction or detachment. 

In addition, conditions like retinitis pigmentosa can lead to a gradual loss of peripheral vision, resulting in tunnel vision over time. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek a prompt medical evaluation with Dr. Lamba to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

What causes retinal diseases?

Several factors can contribute to the development of retinal diseases, including:

Age

Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are more common in older adults.

Genetics

Some retinal diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, can be hereditary.

Medical conditions

Diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders can increase your risk of developing retinal diseases.

Trauma

An Injury to your eye can damage your retina and lead to vision problems.

Environmental factors

Prolonged exposure to sunlight or toxic substances can contribute to retinal damage.

How are retinal diseases treated?

At Next Level Retina, Dr. Lamba may recommend any of the following treatment options for retinal diseases depending on your specific condition and its severity:

Medications

Anti-VEGF drugs are often used to treat conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy by reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

Laser therapy

Dr. Lamba may use laser photocoagulation to seal leaking blood vessels or destroy abnormal retinal tissue.

Surgery

Vitrectomy surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue or repair a detached retina.

Intraocular injections

Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation and swelling in your retina.

Implantable devices

Retinal implants or prosthetic devices can help restore some vision in certain cases of retinal degeneration.

To book an appointment for early detection and treatment, call or book online now.