Retinal Disorders

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency requiring prompt surgical treatment to preserve vision. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside back wall of your eye. In retinal detachment, the retina is pulled away from the underlying choroid — a thin layer of blood vessels that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the retina. Retinal detachment leaves retinal cells deprived of oxygen. The longer the retina and choroid remain separated, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss in the affected eye. Fortunately, retinal detachment often has clear warning signs. If you go to an ophthalmologist as soon as warning signs appear, early diagnosis and treatment of retinal detachment can save your vision.

Retina vein occlusions are the second-most common retinal vascular problem after diabetic retinopathy. RVO is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina – the layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that converts light images to nerve signals and sends them to the brain. RVO occurs more often in people with diabetes, glaucoma or hypertension. The Irwin Retina Center is a recognized leader in the treatment of this disorder. Treatments may include laser treatment and injections of special drugs that block the growth of new blood vessels.

Uveitis is swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Causes of uveitis include allergy, infection, chemical exposure, trauma or the cause may be unknown. Because it may be associated with more than 100 diseases, uveitis also serves as an indication of other medical problems. If left untreated, inflammation inside the eye can lead to blindness. If you suspect you have uveitis, consult an ophthalmologist at once.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a viral inflammation of the retina of the eye and is caused by a member of the herpes simplex virus family. Mild CMV infections are common in otherwise healthy people but severe CMV disease is not. Your immune system usually keeps them from triggering an active disease. In someone with a weak immune system, it can cause CMV retinitis, an infection of the eye that can lead to blindness. If left untreated, CMV can spread throughout the body, infecting other organs to create a wide range of symptoms that can lead to serious illness, even blindness. The goal of treatment is to stabilize or restore vision and prevent blindness. Long-term treatment is often needed. Medications may be given by mouth, through a vein or injected directly into the eye. Treatments for CMV are effective if the infection is detected early.