Are you experiencing flashes? Floaters? A “smudge” or “shadow” that just won’t go away?
Do you have a family history of macular degeneration or other retinal disease?
These are a few examples of symptoms that can suggest an issue with the retina – a thin layer of tissue near the back of your eye that receives light from the outside world and converts it into signals that your brain uses to “see” the world.
If you are experiencing these symptoms or were told that you may have an issue with the retina, you may need a dilated retinal exam. During this exam, your doctor will dilate your pupils to perform a high-resolution examination of the retina. Based on these findings, other photos or tests may be needed during your visit.
Sometimes, these symptoms can be caused by changes in the eye that do not involve damage to the retina itself. Floaters, for example, can be caused by movement of vitreous – a “jelly” in the eye that helps to keep the shape of the eye – without damage to the retina itself.
Image Credit: https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/posterior-vitreous-detachment/
However, sometimes they can represent physical damage to the retina – such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment – or degenerative changes such as macular degeneration. In these cases, urgent referral to and treatment by a retina specialist may be necessary to improve your vision or to prevent further vision loss.
Image Credit: https://www.capefearretina.com/retinal-detachments-and-tears/
Image Credit: https://www.nvisioncenters.com/macular-degeneration/cures/
The bottom line is that retina issues are very common, and early detection and treatment is key! Here at Loh Ophthalmology, it would be our honor to assist with this important part of your eye health. If you have been experiencing visual symptoms or have been told that you may have an issue with your retina, call us to schedule a retinal eye exam.