Hover text on image below for a detailed
description of each part of the eye.
Click here to read
related articles provided by the American Academy
of Ophthalmology.
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Major
Vitreoretinal Diseases and Disorders
Age-Related
Macular Degeneration
AMD, one of the most common causes of poor
vision after age 60, is a deterioration or breakdown
of the macula. The macula is a small area at the
center of the retina in the back of the eye that
allows us to see fine details clearly and perform
activities such as reading and driving. The visual
symptoms of AMD involve loss of central vision.
The AREDS study showed the benefit of certain vitamins
and minerals for patients with macular degeneration.
Our practice recommends Focus
MaculaPro eye vitamins. You can learn more at
www.focusvitamins.com
Diabetic
Retinopathy
If you have diabetes mellitus, your body
does not use and store glucose properly. Over time,
diabetes can damage blood vessels in the retina,
the nerve layer at the back of the eye that senses
light and helps to send images to the brain. The
damage to retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic
retinopathy. Click here
to read related articles provided by the American
Academy of Ophthalmology.
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Diagnostic
Procedures
Optical
Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) OCT is a noninvasive,
noncontact, imaging technology that takes images
of your retinal structures with a resolution of
10 to 17 microns. Cross-sectional images of your
retina are produced using the optical backscattering
of light. The anatomic layers of your retina can
be clearly seen and your retinal thickness measured
with precision.
Fundus Photographs
Trained ophthalmic photographers take color photographs
of your retina. These photographs allow your physician
to document and follow the progression of your eye
disease.
Fluorescein Angiography
Fluorescein Angiography Orange fluorescein dye is
injected into your arm. The fluorescein dye will
circulate throughout your body and become visible
inside your eyes allowing photographs to be taken
of your retina. These black and white photographs
often detect problems with your retina that would
otherwise not be found.
Indocyanine Green Angiography
(ICG)
Dye is injected into your arm in order to determine
abnormalities beneath the retinal tissue of the
macula. Photographs are video recorded and analyzed
by your physician.
Digital Angiography
Digital imaging by a computerized camera is used
to instantaneously produce a picture of the retinal
circulation.
Visual Field Testing
Visual Field Testing Measures both your central
and peripheral vision. Ultrasoundography Uses sound
waves to create an image of the inner structures
of your eye.
Electrophysiological Tests
Electrodes attached to your skin transmit electrical
messages which indicate how well your optic nerve
and/or retina are working. Click
here to read related articles provided by the
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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Surgical
and Other Treatments
Laser Retinal
Surgery
The word "laser" is an acronym for Light
Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
A laser is a concentrated beam of light, created
when an electrical current passes through a special
material. Used in eye surgery since the 1970s, the
laser is popular for its unparalleled degree of
precision and predictability.
Pneumatic Retinopexy
Pneumatic retinopexy is an effective surgery for
certain types of retinal detachments. It uses a
bubble of gas to push the retina against the wall
of the eye, allowing fluid to be pumped out from
beneath the retina.
Scleral Buckling
Scleral buckling surgery is a way to treat retinal
detachment. It is a method of closing breaks and
flattening the retina.
Vitrectomy
During a vitrectomy operation, the surgeon makes
tiny incisions in the sclera (the white part of
the eye). Using a microscope to look inside the
eye and microsurgical instruments, the surgeon removes
the vitreous and repairs the retina through these
tiny incisions.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a treatment for detached retina that
enables your Ophthalmologist to seal retinal tears.
Click here to read
related articles provided by the American Academy
of Ophthalmology.
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Articles
Provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The American Academy of Ophthalmology
is the largest national membership association of
Eye M.D.s. Eye M.D.s are ophthalmologists, medical
and osteopathic doctors who provide comprehensive
eye care, including medical, surgical and optical
care. More than 90 percent of practicing U.S. Eye
M.D.s are Academy members, and the Academy has more
than 7,000 international members. The Academy is
the premiere provider of eye care information to
the public, through a variety of materials and programs,
including patient education publications. Click
here to read related articles provided by the
American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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More
Educational Links
For more information about vision-related
diseases, or to find support groups near you, visit
the websites of the national, state, and local vision-related
organizations. Click here
for a full list of links.
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