Retina Services

Who should see a retinal specialist?

Anyone with a retinal diagnosis given to them by their ophthalmologist or optometrist could potentially benefit from seeing a retina specialist. Such diagnoses include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, trauma, macular hole, and epiretinal membrane. In addition, any one with unexplained blurred vision may benefit from a retinal evaluation

If I have diabetes, should I see a retina specialist?

Every diabetic patient should have a yearly, dilated retinal examination by an eye care professional. Retina specialists are ophthalmologists specifically trained to diagnose and treat diabetic retinopathy. If diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed, follow-up examinations with a retina specialist would be needed more frequently than once a year. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the United States for persons aged 65 or less. Much of the vision loss is preventable with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

I have flashes and floaters. What should I do?

Flashes and floaters may be due to normal aging of the vitreous gel inside the eye. They may also be the first signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment. Therefore, anyone with those symptoms should have a dilated retinal examination by an ophthalmologist or a retinal specialis.

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