The retina is the delicate, light-sensitive tissue that covers the interior wall of the eye. Like the film of a camera, it receives images projected through the lens of the eye and sends these images to your brain through the optic nerve. When the retina is damaged in any way your vision becomes impaired. Damage to the retina may be caused by injury, illness or as a result of aging.

If you are experiencing vitreo-retinal problems you should consult with a specialist that focuses on diseases in the back of the eye such as macular degeneration, diabetic disease, retinal detachment, trauma and intraocular infection. Our vitreo-retinal specialist at Center For Sight, William J. Mestrezat, M.D., uses the newest state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and treat vitreo-retinal problems.

Common Vitreo-Retinal Problems

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages blood vessels inside your eye, which can lead to blurry, distorted vision and blindness.

• Symptoms: blurry, darkened or cloudy vision, seeing floaters or black lines
• Risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol
• Treatment options: laser photocoagulation to control leaking capillaries and prevent growth of new capillaries, vitrectomy to remove cloudy vitreous and scar tissue and cryotherapy to shrink capillaries and repair the retina
• Prevention: regular eye exams, diet, medications, exercise regularly, control your blood sugar and pressure and avoid alcohol and cigarettes

Post Vtreous Detachment (PVD)

PVD occurs when the liquefaction continues until the vitreous separates from the retina to which it is loosely attached. The vast majority of PVDs do not cause problems except annoying floaters and sometimes flashes. Improvement is usually seen within a few months. There is a small chance that a PVD can cause a retinal tear.  Retinal tears can lead to a detached retina if the retina tear is not treated. There is no way to tell if a PVD caused a retinal tear so if someone has symptoms of a PVD they need a prompt dilated retinal exam.

• Symptoms: flashes and floaters in which you will experience cobwebs or spec-like floaters in the field of vision, they are usually black and float in and out of view.

Risks for Tears or Detachments

Anyone can have a tear or detachment but there are factors for those most at risk, which include family history of vitreo-retinal problems, age, cardiovascular disease or diabetes, nearsightedness, previous eye surgery or trauma to the eye.

Causes for Tears and Detachments

As you age, the vitreous gel in your eye liquefies and shrinks, causing the retina to tear or detach. Certain diseases or trauma to the eye can cause scar tissue to form and pull on the retina. If not treated promptly, retinal problems can lead to permanent vision loss.

Warning Signs

• Flashing lights
• New floaters
• A shadow in the periphery of your field of vision
• A gray curtain moving across your field of vision

Make The Clear Choice

Schedule a consultation at Center For Sight so you can meet and be examined by our board-certified vitreo-retinal surgeon, William J. Mestrezat, M.D., click here to request an appointment, or call our office at (941) 925-2020 in Sarasota, (941) 488-2020 in Venice or (941) 756-EYES (3937) in Bradenton.

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