Common Retinal Disorders

Retinal problems and diseases affect millions of Australians and cause visual impairment ranging from mild limitation to bilateral blindness.

The retina is the inner layer of the eye containing photoreceptor cells, support cells and ganglion cells. These cells capture the image, which is then transmitted to the brain through the optic nerve . The brain interprets these signals and creates the image that we “see”.

Treatment is available for most retinal problems but often needs to be given promptly . Treatment options include medications, laser, and surgery. Our eye specialists treat all disorders of the retina – the most common problems are explained below.

Vitreous floaters are caused by opacities and debris floating in the eye’s vitreous humour, which is the clear gel that fills the back two-thirds of the eyeball.

Vitreous floaters present as specks, strands, and cobwebs in your vision. As you move your eye, they will appear to “float” or drift across your vision.

Occasionally, they can indicate the presence of a serious eye disease. Therefore, if you notice a NEW vitreous floater then it is very important that you have your eye checked promptly by your local optometrist.

Vitreous floaters can be removed by our eye specialists with either laser or surgery.

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina peels away from the back wall of the eye. It is a painless condition that presents as an expanding shadow seen in the periphery of one eye.

A retinal detachment is an ocular emergency that must be treated immediately. If you think you may be suffering a retinal detachment please phone our office.

The impact on a person’s eyesight depends on the location and severity of the detachment. Symptoms may include:
– Sudden onset of new floaters (dark dots, specks, cobwebs or squiggly lines in vision)
– Bright flashing lights or sparks (like lightning or a camera flash) in your side vision
– A dark grey shadow obscuring your side vision in one eye

Retinal detachments are treated with emergency laser and/or surgery.

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a common condition that affects the central vision of people over the age of 60 years. It is caused by ‘wear and tear’ damage to the macula, which is the central area of the retina. ARMD can affect anyone, but it is much more common in and people with a family history of ARMD and in smokers . 

Dry ARMD is a slow, progressive degeneration of the macular cells. It causes gradual blurring and distortion of central vision. Although it cannot be stopped or reversed, it can be slowed with vitamin supplements . 

Wet (neovascular) ARMD is the growth of abnormal, fragile blood vessels at the macula. These vessels leak blood and cholesterol, causing a rapid decline in central vision. It is treated with intravitreal eye injections . If you have been diagnosed with wet macular degeneration then it is very important that you begin treatment immediately in

Retinal detachments are treated with emergency laser and/or surgery.

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