RETINA
The retina is a delicate film in back of the eye that converts light into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The retina is like the film in the back of a camera, and it is essential for vision.
Many conditions can damage the retina including macular degeneration, strokes, diabetes and retinal detachments. If you see flashes and floaters you may have a tear in the retina which needs a simple office laser treatment to prevent a blinding retinal detachment. If you see distortion in straight lines you may have active macular degeneration requiring treatment. Any changes in your vision should be reported to Dr. Segal for evaluation.
This is a picture of a normal retina, the delicate film in back of the eye. The dark spot in the center is the macula and is required for clear vision. Any problem with the retina reduces vision.
This patient has diabetic retinopathy. This macula has bleeding and leakage that must be treated. All diabetics must be followed by an ophthalmologist to prevent loss of vision.
This patient has macular degeneration and if there is leaking then treatment is required to prevent blindness (wet macular degeneration). Dr. Segal advises all macular degeneration patients to monitor their vision for distortion and take special nutritional supplements to preserve vision.
This patient has a retinal detachment of the upper retina and needs surgery to prevent blindness. Patients may initially see floaters and flashes and need an office laser to treat the retina before it gets to this stage.