The retina is a thin membrane located at the back of the eye. Its job is to receive light that enters the eye, convert that light into neural signals, and pass those signals along to the brain for visual recognition.
The retina can be prone to a variety of issues than may affect your vision. The most common retinal conditions are:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Flashers & floaters
- Retinal detachment
- Macular pucker
Diagnosing retinal conditions
Issues with retinal function can be detected and diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. In order to get a good view of your retina, your eye care providers will dilate your pupil using drops. Once dilated, each eye is examined in a darkened room using a specialized magnifying lens.
Caring for retinal conditions
The important thing to remember is that early detection can help minimize the chance of complications and further damage. We recommend regular eye exams for all ages, but especially in people over age 50 or with other health conditions such as diabetes that may put you at higher risk for developing retinal issues.
Treatment for retinal issues will vary by condition and by patient. Once diagnosed, your eye care specialist will discuss their recommended treatment options with you, which may include medication or surgery.