The Importance of Consulting a Retinal Specialist: When and Why You Should Schedule a Visit

Let’s take a quick eye quiz! Which best describes the function of the retina?

• The clear front part of the eye, helping to focus light into the eye
• Eye tissue in the back of the eye that converts light into electrical signals

If you guessed the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into images and acts as an extension of the brain, you would be correct! The retina is one of the most important parts of the eye that receives visual information and sends it to the brain, allowing your to see. Without your retina, or with a damaged retina, your ability to see the visual beauty of the world and the faces of your loved ones would be impaired. Your vision is central to living a healthy, fulfilled life, which is why it is important to visit a retinal specialist if you suspect that something is wrong with your retina! In the following article, we’ll walk you through the role of your retina, common retinal conditions to know, and the signs and symptoms to look out for, all so you can prevent permanent vision problems by getting the care you need in a timely fashion.

Understanding the Light-sensitive Retina

As mentioned above, the retina is a piece of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye full of rods and cones and is connected to the optic nerve. The retina works by turning the light into electrical signals which it sends through the optic nerve to the brain. It is made up of two different parts, the macula and the peripheral retina. The macula is responsible for direct vision while the peripheral fills in the details on the edges. 

The Most Commonly Diagnosed Retinal Conditions 

Unfortunately, any disease that impacts the retina will most likely cause vision loss or in some cases, blindness. There are many common retinal conditions for which you should see a retina eye specialist, and they impact different parts of the retina. Some of the most frequently diagnosed include the following: 

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Impacting the macula, this disease affects your central vision, meaning your peripheral vision remains unchanged. As it is age-related, it usually occurs in people over the age of 50, but that is not always the case. The progression of AMD can be stopped but not cured, so seek treatment right away. 
• Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetes impacts your entire body, including your eyes. Those with diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic-related retinopathy which is a weakening of the blood vessels in your retina. There are two types, nonproliferative and proliferative, but both result in fluid or blood entering the retina or close to the retina, causing vision loss. 
• Retinal detachment: Exactly what it sounds like, this is when the retina detaches from the tissues supporting it. It should be treated right away to prevent severe vision loss. Most often this occurs when a small tear in the retina leads to fluid building up behind the retina and detaching it. Visit an emergency room as soon as possible if you have floaters, shadows in your periphery, or flashes of light as this may indicate a detached retina. Keep in mind you may not feel any pain!
• Macular holes: Once again impacting the macula of the retina, a macular hole happens when the fluid that fills your eye contacts and causes a small hole to form in the macula. A macular hole can happen because of trauma or injury, eye inflammation, or without any other medical condition present. 

When Something Isn’t Right: Knowing When to Visit a Retina Eye Specialist

The only bright side to having problems with your retina is that you will most likely be experiencing identifiable symptoms. Changes in your vision can spur you into action, forcing your to schedule an appointment with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist quickly! It is important to note that you should not take changes in your vision lightly as some problems can only be repaired when they are identified early by a retina eye specialist. If you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to the nearest OCLI clinic to schedule an appointment. 

• Sudden changes in vision, including blurring, shadows, blind spots
• Sudden loss of vision
• Blind spots in the central part of your vision or on the periphery
• Flashes of light 
• Distorted vision 
• Difficulty seeing at night or when making the switch from light to dark

It’s Time to Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Eye Specialist

Early detection and intervention is key when it comes to retinal conditions. In order to prevent vision loss and improve your vision outcomes, it is imperative that you see a retina specialist as soon as you suspect something is amiss. A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist that has continued their training in diseases and surgery of the retina to provide advanced, expert care to patients. No matter the condition, your retina eye specialist will work closely with optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other eye care professionals to diagnose and treat any condition of the retina. 

When you go in for a retina exam, you may visit your optometrist first who will dilate your eye to view the retina. If they notice the presence of any issues, they will most likely refer you to an ophthalmologist or retina specialist, depending on the issue and availability. 

The best thing you can do for your vision health is to get regular eye exams and eye tests, so your primary eye care doctor can identify issues before they have progress to more serious conditions. The retina is very delicate, and most conditions require intervention from either an ophthalmologist or a retinal specialist. Call OCLI Vision today to schedule an appointment for optometry services or a retina consultation.  

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