Retina Care
Let’s Make Things Clear.
The retina is a delicate tissue that lines the inside back wall of the eye. Light striking this tissue creates a wide variety of chemical and electrical events that trigger nerve impulses. In turn, these nerve impulses send signals to various visual centers of the brain, processing the images you see. If the eye is your body’s camera, consider the retina the film. If the film is damaged, you’ll get a fuzzy, distorted picture—or in extreme cases—no picture at all. This plays a crucial role in our ability to see. Unfortunately, it is prone to many diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and more. If you’re suffering from a retinal problem, the Retina Team at EYE-Q can help.
Retinal Diseases
Diabetic Retinopathy
Major blood vessels travel within the retina. High blood-sugar levels from diabetes can damage these blood vessels, causing them to leak fluid, blood or lipids. This damage is called diabetic retinopathy. The leakage affects the retina’s ability to detect and transmit images to the brain. As diabetic retinopathy progresses, your body begins growing new blood vessels in the retina to overcome/replace the vessels that have been damaged by diabetes. These new vessels are not normal and may bleed inside the eye causing vision blockage and form scar tissue that pulls it away from its proper location. This is called a tractional retinal detachment and can lead to blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy can help prevent vision loss, but it’s equally imperative that you maintain control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes to reduce the risk of further complications.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) refers to the breakdown of the macula – a small, but very important area in the back of the eye. The macula provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving and seeing fine detail. Macular degeneration can cause sudden, severe loss of vision in the middle of your visual field and cannot be reversed. Its impact, however, can be reduced through laser surgery and medication.
Retinal Detachment
The retina is the nerve layer at the back of your eye. When it is pulled away from its normal position, it doesn’t work and vision is blurred. If you see flashing lights, floaters, or a gray shadow in your vision, contact us right away! A detached retina is a very serious problem and it almost always causes blindness unless treated.
Your Team
If you’re suffering from a retinal problem, the Retina Team at EYE-Q can help. Dr. George Bertolucci, Dr. Sumeer Thinda, Dr. Daniel C. Prescott, and Dr. Neesurg Mehta are experts in retinal care, each with years of experience treating diseases of the retina. Our retina experts specialize in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachments and other diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Together, they make up one of the most experienced and skilled retinal specialty teams in Central California.
Time Lost = Vision Lost
If you’re suffering from a retinal disease or injury, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. A detached retina is a very serious problem that can lead to loss of vision and even blindness unless treated. Contact EYE-Q as soon as possible to schedule your consultation with our retina team.