Retinal conditions
Patient information about common conditions of the retina and vitreous: what they are, how they are diagnosed and which treatments may be considered.
- Retinal detachment A separation of the retina from the tissue beneath it. It is a medical emergency that can lead to permanent loss of vision if it is not treated promptly.
- Diabetic retinopathy Damage to the small blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes. The early stages often cause no symptoms, which is why regular eye examinations are important.
- Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the centre of the retina, and can reduce the central vision needed for reading and recognising faces.
- Macular hole A small full-thickness opening in the macula that causes blurred and distorted central vision. Surgery may be considered depending on its size and stage.
- Epiretinal membrane A thin layer of scar-like tissue on the surface of the macula that can cause blurred or distorted vision. Many cases only need monitoring.
- Retinal tear A break in the retina, often caused by the vitreous gel pulling on it. Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment and need prompt evaluation.
- Vitreous diseases Conditions of the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye, including floaters, vitreous haemorrhage and traction of the vitreous on the macula.
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