Retinal Conditions and Diseases
Macular Degeneration and Associated Conditions
The macula is the center of the retina that lets you read, drive, and see fine details. Several disorders can threaten this critical area.
Dry AMD is a slow thinning of macular tissue that can reduce sharp central vision.
- Early or Intermediate AMD – mild changes that may not yet affect sight
- Geographic Atrophy – advanced cell loss that leads to more noticeable vision loss
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood.
- Choroidal Neovascularization – fragile new vessels that leak
- Disciform Scar – scar tissue that can permanently blur vision
Several other disorders can harm the macula or mimic AMD symptoms.
- Degenerative Myopia
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
- Pathologic Myopia (Myopic Degeneration)
Diabetic Retinal Disease
High blood sugar can damage tiny retinal vessels, leading to vision-threatening changes.
NPDR is an early stage marked by weakened vessels and small leaks.
- Mild NPDR – microaneurysms only
- Moderate NPDR – more widespread damage
- Severe NPDR – many blocked vessels with high risk of progression
PDR is an advanced stage where new, fragile vessels grow and may bleed or scar.
- Neovascularization of the Disc
- Fibrovascular Proliferation that can lead to detachment
Swelling or poor blood flow in the macula can blur central vision.
- Diabetic Macular Edema
- Diabetic Macular Ischemia
- Diabetic Papillopathy
Some therapies can cause side effects that need monitoring.
- Post-PRP peripheral vision loss
- Rare inflammation or infection after anti-VEGF injections
Retinal Detachments and Predisposing Conditions
A detachment happens when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, cutting off its blood supply.
These occur from problems within the eye itself.
- Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
- Tractional Retinal Detachment
- Exudative Retinal Detachment
Weakened areas raise the risk of a future tear or detachment.
- Lattice Degeneration
- Giant Retinal Tears
- Atrophic Retinal Holes
- Horseshoe or Flap Tears
Some issues can arise after surgery or other repair methods.
- Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
- Protruding Scleral Buckle
- Silicone Oil in the Anterior Chamber
Injury or medical procedures can also trigger retinal breaks.
- Choroidal Rupture
- Commotio Retinae
- Traumatic Retinal Breaks
- Retained Lens Fragments
- Intraocular Lens Dislocation
Macular Diseases (Non-Degenerative)
Not all macular problems are age-related; many involve structure, blood flow, or swelling.
Physical defects in macular tissue can blur or distort vision.
- Macular Hole
- Lamellar Macular Hole
- Pseudohole
- Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis (Krill Disease)
Abnormal vessels in the macula can leak or damage cells.
- Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Fluid buildup causes swelling that reduces clarity.
- Cystoid Macular Edema
Sudden-onset disorders may cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
- Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy
- Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy
- Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy
- Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy
Vitreoretinal Interface Disorders
The vitreous gel can pull on or deposit material onto the retina, leading to a range of symptoms.
The vitreous separates from the retina, often causing new floaters or flashes that need evaluation.
A thin layer of scar tissue forms on the retinal surface and may blur or warp vision.
The vitreous remains stuck to the macula and pulls on it, distorting sight.
Splitting of retinal layers usually progresses slowly and rarely harms vision.
A circular floater appears when the vitreous detaches from the optic nerve head.
Small calcium-rich deposits float in the vitreous but typically do not affect sight.
Protein deposits cloud the vitreous and may be linked to systemic disease.
Hereditary and Developmental Retinal Disorders
Genetic changes or early developmental issues can alter how the retina forms and functions.
These disorders damage night and peripheral vision first.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Leber Congenital Amaurosis
Central vision and color perception decline as cone cells fail.
- Cone-Rod Dystrophy
- Achromatopsia
Inherited problems limited to the macula blur detailed vision.
- Stargardt Disease
- Best Disease
- Pattern Dystrophies
Several rare genes can lead to progressive retinal damage.
- Choroideremia
- X-linked Juvenile Retinoschisis
- Bietti's Crystalline Retinopathy
- Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy (ADNIV)
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (McArdle Disease)
- HANAC Syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Peroxisomal Diseases with Ocular Manifestations
Structural differences present at birth may affect vision.
- Chorioretinal Coloboma
- Myelinated Nerve Fibers
- Albinism
Changes at the nerve head can alter signal transmission to the brain.
- Optic Disc Pit
- Prepapillary Vascular Loops
- Optic Disc Drusen
Some multisystem disorders include significant eye findings.
- Aicardi Syndrome
- Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- DiGeorge Syndrome
- Tuberous Sclerosis
- Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy
- Microcephaly with Chorioretinopathy
Other Retinal Conditions
Many additional diseases can threaten retinal health yet often respond well to early care.
The choroid feeds the retina, so its diseases can disrupt vision.
- Angioid Streaks
- Choroidal Detachment
- Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
- Chorioretinal Folds
- Choroidal Hemangioma
Growths inside the eye may be benign or malignant and need close monitoring.
- Bear Tracks (Congenital Hypertrophy of the RPE)
- Astrocytic Hamartoma
- Choroidal Nevus
- Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and RPE
- Intraocular Melanoma
- Retinoblastoma
- Metastatic Tumors
- von Hippel-Lindau Disease
- Retinal Capillary Hemangioma
- Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma
- Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation
Immune reactions to cancer or other triggers can mistakenly attack retinal cells.
- Cancer-Associated Retinopathy
- Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy
- Autoimmune Retinopathy
- Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy
- Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation
Early diagnosis helps protect sight during critical years of visual development.
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
- Coats’ Disease
- Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Injuries can cause immediate or delayed retinal damage.
- Commotio Retinae
- Traumatic Retinal Breaks
- Retained Lens Fragments
- Intraocular Lens Dislocation
- Choroidal Rupture
- Ocular Decompression Retinopathy
Some drugs have known retinal side effects that warrant regular screening.
- Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity
- Thioridazine Retinopathy
- Tamoxifen Retinopathy
- Canthaxanthin Retinopathy
- Deferoxamine Retinopathy
- Niacin-Induced Maculopathy
Protect Your Retinal Health
Regular eye exams help catch retinal problems early, often before you notice changes. Our team is committed to guiding you through diagnosis, treatment, and lifelong eye care so you can continue to see clearly and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Dr. Arnett has provided excellent medical attention for my retina eye surgery and has a very professional and positive bedside manner. I would highly recommend him.
R. T
Love my doctor. Amazing personality and amazing I doctor. Listen and care for my needs.
Sharon Hurst
I adore Dr Khan. He has been my Dr. since 2020 and I highly recommend him to anyone. He does my regular check-ups, helps me manage my chronic eye issues, did my cataract surgeries and did my corrective lenses.
Lara Corsets
I would highly recommend these doctors,very professional and when asking questions they addressed all my concerns. On top of that the staff is very professional and friendly.
Vilma Torres
Dr. Liva is very professional, explains everything in detail, patient, highly recommend.
Connie