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Understanding Retina Diseases & Conditions - Specialty Vision

Retina diseases and conditions, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, significantly impact your vision. At Specialty Vision, our listed retina specialists are ready to help you maintain healthy vision through prompt and effective care.

Table of Contents

Retinal Conditions & Diseases & Macular Degeneration & Associated Conditions & Dry AMD: & Wet AMD: & Associated Conditions: & Diabetic Retinal Disease & Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR): & Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR): & Diabetic Macular Edema & Other Conditions: & Treatment-Related Changes: & Retinal Detachments & Predisposing Conditions

Imagine your eye as a camera. Light enters through the cornea, is controlled by the iris and pupil like a camera shutter, and then is focused onto the retina—the film at the back of the eye where every detail of the image is captured.

Retinal conditions and diseases affect the delicate, light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eye and can have significant impacts on your vision. As our retina specialists explain things, keeping the retina healthy means keeping your vision sharp and your memories clear. Whether it's age-related changes or inherited disorders, the spectrum of retinal conditions is vast, which is why knowing the signs and causes can make all the difference in timely detection and treatment.

Dry age-related macular degeneration is a slow, progressive thinning of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.

  • Early/Intermediate AMD: Mild changes that may not yet impact vision noticeably.
  • Geographic Atrophy: Advanced loss of retinal cells leading to more significant vision loss.

Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, causing fluid leakage and rapid vision loss.

  • Choroidal Neovascularization: Growth of new, fragile blood vessels that leak fluid or blood.
  • Disciform Scar: Scarring of the retina following bleeding or fluid leakage, which can permanently reduce vision.

These conditions are linked with macular degeneration and can also affect the central vision.

  • Degenerative Myopia: Severe nearsightedness causing stretching and thinning of the retina.
  • Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Fluid buildup under the retina that leads to blurred or distorted central vision.
  • Pathologic Myopia (Myopic Degeneration): Progressive deterioration of the retina due to extreme nearsightedness.

This is an early stage of diabetic eye disease where blood vessels in the retina show subtle changes.

  • Mild NPDR: Small areas of microaneurysms without significant vision loss.
  • Moderate NPDR: More noticeable damage with increasing retinal changes.
  • Severe NPDR: Extensive retinal blood vessel damage, increasing the risk for further complications.

In this advanced stage, new abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, which may bleed or cause scarring.

  • Neovascularization of the Disc: New, fragile blood vessels develop near the optic disc.
  • Fibrovascular Proliferation: Scar tissue forms along with new blood vessels, risking retinal detachment.

These conditions involve swelling and loss of blood supply in the central area of the retina (macula), affecting detailed vision.

  • Diabetic Macular Edema: Fluid leakage leads to swelling in the macula, causing blurred or distorted vision.
  • Diabetic Macular Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the macula that can further impair vision.
  • Diabetic Papillopathy: Swelling of the optic disc associated with diabetes, which may affect the quality of vision.

Treatments for diabetic retinal disease can sometimes lead to changes that may affect vision.

  • Post-PRP Effects: Light loss in peripheral vision can occur after laser treatment.
  • Anti-VEGF Complications: Injections that help control swelling may rarely cause inflammation or infection.

Primary Detachments: & Predisposing Conditions: & Post-Treatment/Complications: & Traumatic/Iatrogenic: & Macular Diseases (Non-Degenerative) & Structural Abnormalities: & Vascular Disorders: & Edematous Changes: & Acute/Miscellaneous Maculopathies: & Vascular Occlusive Diseases & Arterial Occlusions:

Primary detachments occur when the retina pulls away from its normal position due to inherent retinal problems.

  • Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A tear or break in the retina allows fluid to seep underneath, lifting the retina away from the back of the eye.
  • Tractional Retinal Detachment: Scar tissue on the retina pulls it away, commonly seen in advanced diabetic eye disease.
  • Exudative Retinal Detachment: Fluid accumulates under the retina without a tear, often due to inflammation or injury.

Certain conditions can weaken the retina, making it more likely to detach.

  • Lattice Degeneration: Thinning and weakening of the peripheral retina, which increases the risk of tears.
  • Giant Retinal Tears: Large breaks in the retina that can rapidly lead to detachment.
  • Atrophic Retinal Holes: Small, thinning areas in the retina that may progress to full detachment.
  • Horseshoe or Flap Tear: A U-shaped tear that can develop when the vitreous gel pulls strongly on the retina.

Following treatment for retinal detachment, some complications may occur that affect the recovery process.

  • Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR): Scar tissue forms on the retina after surgery, which can lead to a re-detachment.
  • Protruding Scleral Buckle: The buckle used in surgery may push against the eye, sometimes affecting vision.
  • Silicone Oil in Anterior Chamber: Occasionally, silicone oil used during surgery can move into the front of the eye, requiring further treatment.

These detachments and retinal injuries result from trauma or complications during medical procedures.

  • Choroidal Rupture: A break in the choroid layer beneath the retina, often due to blunt trauma.
  • Commotio Retinae: Temporary whitening of the retina caused by a sudden impact, which can sometimes lead to detachment.
  • Traumatic Retinal Breaks: Tears caused by an injury that may lead to detachment if not treated promptly.
  • Retained Lens Fragments: Pieces of the lens left behind after surgery can irritate the retina and contribute to detachment.
  • Intraocular Lens Dislocation: The lens implanted during cataract surgery may shift, potentially affecting the retina.

These conditions affect the physical structure of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.

  • Macular Hole: A small break in the macula that may cause blurry or distorted central vision.
  • Lamellar Macular Hole: A partial-thickness defect in the macula with mild vision changes.
  • Pseudohole: An apparent hole due to tissue contraction rather than an actual break.
  • Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis (Krill Disease): A temporary inflammation in the retinal pigment layer leading to sudden, mild vision loss.

These conditions involve abnormal blood vessels in the macula that can disrupt the normal flow of nutrients and blood.

  • Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: Dilated, leaky blood vessels in the macula that may result in blurred or distorted vision.

Edematous changes occur when fluid builds up in the macula, causing swelling that distorts central vision.

  • Cystoid Macular Edema: The formation of small fluid-filled cysts in the macula that leads to blurred central vision.

This group includes sudden-onset macular conditions that can temporarily affect central vision.

  • Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy: A rapid accumulation of fluid and yellowish deposits under the macula affecting vision.
  • Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy: A sudden condition of unknown cause that leads to temporary vision loss in the macula.
  • Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy: A rare disorder causing small, dark spots in central vision, often following a viral illness.
  • Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: An inflammatory condition producing multiple spots on the macula which may reduce vision.

Arterial occlusions occur when the blood flow through the arteries of the retina is blocked, which can lead to sudden vision loss.

  • Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO): A blockage in the main artery supplying the retina, leading to rapid and severe vision loss.
  • Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO): A blockage in one of the smaller arteries, affecting a portion of the retina and causing partial vision loss.
  • Hollenhorst Plaques: Small cholesterol emboli in the retinal arteries, which can be a sign of vascular disease.

Venous Occlusions: & Hemorrhagic Manifestations: & Other Vascular Findings: & Vitreoretinal Interface Disorders & Degenerative Retinoschisis: & Posterior Vitreous Detachment: & Vitreous Amyloidosis: & Weiss Ring: & Epiretinal Membranes (Macular Pucker): & Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome: & Asteroid Hyalosis:

Venous occlusions happen when the veins that drain blood from the retina become blocked, resulting in swelling and vision problems.

  • Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO): A blockage of the main vein, causing widespread retinal swelling and significant vision loss.
  • Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO): A blockage in one of the retinal veins that affects part of the retina and causes localized vision changes.
  • Chronic Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A long-term blockage that can lead to persistent vision problems.
  • Superior/Inferior Hemicentral RVO: A type of vein occlusion affecting either the upper or lower half of the retina.

These are signs of bleeding within the retina due to occlusions or damaged blood vessels.

  • Dot and Blot Hemorrhages: Small, round areas of bleeding in the retina.
  • Flame-Shaped Hemorrhages: Linear, flame-like bleeding often seen in the nerve fiber layer.
  • Preretinal Hemorrhage: Bleeding that occurs in front of the retina, which may block part of your vision.
  • Subretinal Hemorrhage: Bleeding beneath the retina, potentially causing serious vision problems.

These findings indicate additional changes or damage to the retinal blood vessels.

  • Cotton-Wool Spots: White, fluffy patches on the retina caused by reduced blood flow.
  • Hard Exudates: Deposits from leaking blood vessels that appear as yellowish spots on the retina.
  • Retinal Artery Macroaneurysm: A bulge in a retinal artery that may leak or bleed, affecting vision.
  • Optociliary Shunt: Abnormal vessels formed to bypass a blockage in the retinal circulation.
  • Ocular Ischemic Syndrome: Reduced blood flow to the eye, leading to gradual vision loss and discomfort.
  • Sickle Cell Proliferative Retinopathy: Retinal changes and new vessel growth due to sickle cell disease.
  • Hypertensive Retinopathy: Retinal damage caused by high blood pressure over time, which can gradually impair vision.

This condition involves a splitting within the layers of the retina, often occurring slowly with age.

  • Explanation: It is usually stable and rarely leads to significant vision loss.

This happens when the gel-like substance inside the eye (vitreous) separates from the retina.

  • Explanation: Common with aging, it may cause floaters or flashes and is usually harmless, though it requires monitoring.

This rare condition is caused by the buildup of amyloid proteins in the vitreous, the clear gel filling the eye.

  • Explanation: It can affect vision and is often linked with systemic health issues, needing regular evaluation.

A Weiss Ring is seen as a circular floater in the vision, resulting from the vitreous detaching from the optic nerve head.

  • Explanation: Although typically benign, its sudden appearance should prompt an eye exam to rule out complications.

This occurs when a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the surface of the retina, leading to visual distortion.

  • Explanation: It may cause blurred or wavy vision and sometimes requires surgery if vision is significantly affected.

This condition arises when the vitreous gel sticks too firmly to the macula, pulling it and causing vision distortion.

  • Explanation: The traction can lead to visual changes and may need treatment to relieve the pulling effect.

Asteroid hyalosis is characterized by small, white deposits within the vitreous, which are usually not harmful.

  • Explanation: It is often discovered during routine eye exams and typically does not affect vision.

Contact our experienced retina specialists today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Address your vision concerns early to safeguard your sight and enjoy life to the fullest. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through our Specialty Vision directory.

Uveitis & Inflammatory Diseases & Infectious Uveitis: & Non-Infectious Uveitis: & Other Inflammatory/Infectious Conditions: & Hereditary & Developmental Disorders & Rod-Cone Dystrophies: & Cone-Rod Dystrophies: & Macular Dystrophies: & Other Inherited Conditions: & Developmental Anomalies: & Optic Nerve Anomalies:

Infectious uveitis is caused by infections that trigger inflammation in the uveal tract and surrounding tissues.

  • Toxoplasmosis: A common infection causing inflammation that can lead to blurry vision and eye pain.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis: An infection mostly seen in immunocompromised patients, leading to retinal damage.
  • Endophthalmitis: A severe inflammation of the interior of the eye usually due to bacterial or fungal infections.
  • Onchocerciasis: Also known as river blindness, it is caused by parasitic infection resulting in significant eye inflammation.
  • Acute Retinal Necrosis: A rapid, painful infection that can cause retinal cell death and vision loss.

Non-infectious uveitis is typically linked to autoimmune responses, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks eye tissues.

  • Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy: An inflammatory condition affecting the retina and choroid, leading to vision disturbances.
  • Serpiginous Choroiditis: A progressive inflammation of the choroid that may gradually impair vision.
  • Anterior Uveitis: Inflammation of the front part of the uvea, often causing pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
  • Intermediate Uveitis: Inflammation in the middle part of the eye that can lead to floaters and blurred vision.
  • Posterior Uveitis: Inflammation affecting the back of the eye, potentially impacting central vision.
  • Panuveitis: Involvement of all layers of the uvea, leading to widespread inflammation and visual disturbances.
  • Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: An autoimmune condition affecting both eyes and often accompanied by systemic symptoms.
  • Sympathetic Ophthalmia: A rare, bilateral inflammation occurring after trauma to one eye.
  • Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome: Inflammation linked to past histoplasmosis infection, which may cause scarring and vision loss.

Some inflammatory eye conditions arise from atypical infections or unusual inflammatory responses.

  • Ophthalmomyiasis: Infestation of the eye by fly larvae, leading to severe irritation and inflammation.
  • Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (ocular involvement): A viral infection that can trigger inflammation in the eye.
  • Chorioretinitis Sclopetaria: Inflammation caused by a high-velocity projectile near the eye, damaging the choroid and retina.

These conditions affect the cells in the retina that help you see in low light and perceive colors. They often progress slowly over time.

  • Retinitis Pigmentosa: A group of inherited disorders that gradually reduce night and peripheral vision.
  • Leber Congenital Amaurosis: A rare genetic disorder causing severe vision loss from birth.

These disorders primarily affect central vision and color perception, often leading to difficulty in seeing fine details.

  • Cone-Rod Dystrophy: A condition that causes reduced central vision and color blindness over time.
  • Achromatopsia: A disorder marked by poor color vision and light sensitivity.

Macular dystrophies are inherited conditions affecting the macula, the central area of the retina, resulting in blurred or distorted vision.

  • Stargardt Disease: The most common form, leading to progressive loss of central vision in young people.
  • Best Disease: An inherited condition usually presenting in childhood with reduced central vision.
  • Pattern Dystrophies: A group of disorders with irregular pigment changes in the macula that affect vision.

Various genetic disorders can affect the retina, altering its structure and function.

  • Choroideremia: A condition that gradually leads to vision loss due to degeneration of retinal cells.
  • X-linked Juvenile Retinoschisis: A disorder primarily affecting young males, causing splitting of the retinal layers.
  • Bietti's Crystalline Retinopathy: A rare condition featuring crystal deposits in the retina that may impair vision.
  • ADNIV: Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy is a rare inflammatory condition that can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth and vision loss.
  • Glycogen Storage Disease Type V (McArdle Disease): A metabolic disorder that, in some cases, may affect the retina.
  • HANAC Syndrome: A genetic condition that may include abnormal retinal blood vessels.
  • Neurofibromatosis: A disorder causing benign tumors that can affect the eyes and vision.
  • Peroxisomal Diseases with Ocular Manifestations: Metabolic disorders that can sometimes impact retinal function.

These conditions occur during the development of the eye, leading to structural differences in the retina.

  • Chorioretinal Coloboma: A gap or defect in the tissues of the eye that can affect vision.
  • Myelinated Nerve Fibers: Extra myelin on the optic nerve fibers that is usually benign but may occasionally affect vision.
  • Albinism: A condition with reduced pigment in the eyes, leading to light sensitivity and vision issues.

These conditions affect the optic nerve, which transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain.

  • Optic Disc Pit: A small depression in the optic nerve head that can sometimes cause vision disturbances.
  • Prepapillary Vascular Loops: Abnormal blood vessels near the optic disc that are usually harmless.
  • Optic Disc Drusen: Calcified deposits on the optic nerve that may gradually impact vision.

Systemic/Genetic Syndromes with Retinal Involvement: & Other Retinal Conditions & Choroidal Disorders & Tumors & Neoplastic Conditions & Autoimmune & Paraneoplastic Retinopathies & Pediatric Retinal Diseases & Trauma-Related Retinal Conditions & Medication-Related Retinopathies & Visit Our Retina Specialists 

These syndromes affect multiple body systems and often include changes in the retina that can impair vision.

  • Aicardi Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder, mainly affecting girls, that causes various eye abnormalities and vision loss.
  • Ocular Manifestations of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: A genetic disorder that can cause abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
  • Ocular Manifestations of Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A connective tissue disorder that may lead to retinal changes and vision problems.
  • Ophthalmic Manifestations of DiGeorge Syndrome: A syndrome with various systemic features that may include retinal abnormalities.
  • Ophthalmic Manifestations of Tuberous Sclerosis: A genetic condition that can produce retinal lesions along with other systemic symptoms.
  • Ophthalmologic Manifestations of Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy: A muscular dystrophy that can involve changes in the retina.
  • Microcephaly and Chorioretinopathy: A condition characterized by a smaller head size accompanied by retinal changes affecting vision.

These conditions affect the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina, which nourishes the eye and supports vision.

  • Angioid Streaks: Small cracks in the choroid that may lead to vision changes over time.
  • Choroidal Detachment: Separation of the choroid from the eye wall, which can cause blurred vision.
  • Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Abnormal, bulging blood vessels that may leak fluid under the retina.
  • Chorioretinal Folds: Wrinkles in the choroid and retina that can distort central vision.
  • Choroidal Hemangioma: A benign tumor in the choroid that may alter vision if it grows.

These growths in or around the retina can be either non-cancerous or cancerous and may require monitoring or treatment.

  • Benign Lesions:
    • Bear Tracks (CHRPE): Flat, dark spots that are generally harmless and stable.
    • Astrocytic Hamartoma: A benign tumor of star-shaped cells, usually not affecting vision significantly.
    • Choroidal Nevus: A small, benign pigmented spot in the choroid that is often watched for any changes.
    • Congenital Hypertrophy of the RPE: A pigmented lesion present from birth that typically does not impact vision.
    • Combined Hamartoma of the Retina and RPE: A growth involving both the retina and its pigment layer that may blur vision.
  • Malignant Tumors:
    • Intraocular (Uveal) Melanoma: A cancerous tumor that can affect vision and may require prompt treatment.
    • Retinoblastoma: A childhood cancer of the retina that needs urgent care to preserve vision and life.
    • Metastatic Tumors: Cancer that has spread to the eye from another part of the body, which can impact vision.
  • Vascular Tumors & Paraneoplastic Syndromes:
    • von Hippel-Lindau Disease: A genetic disorder that can lead to tumors in the eye and other organs.
    • Retinal Capillary Hemangioma (RCH): Abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina that may leak fluid.
    • Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma: A cluster of dilated blood vessels that is usually stable and benign.
    • Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation (BDUMP): A rare condition linked to cancer that causes widespread changes in the eye's pigmented tissues.

These conditions develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the retina, sometimes related to an underlying cancer.

  • Cancer-Associated Retinopathy: Vision loss that occurs when the immune system targets retinal cells in response to cancer elsewhere in the body.
  • Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy: Visual disturbances caused by an immune reaction to melanoma cells.
  • Autoimmune Retinopathy: A condition where the body's defense system attacks the retina, leading to gradual vision changes.
  • Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy (AZOOR): A sudden loss of function in specific areas of the retina, likely due to immune causes.
  • Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation (BDUMP): A rare, cancer-related condition that causes diffuse changes in the eye's pigmented layer and can severely affect vision.

These retinal conditions affect children and can interfere with normal visual development, often requiring early diagnosis and treatment.

  • Retinopathy of Prematurity: Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina of premature infants, which can lead to vision loss if untreated.
  • Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR): A genetic disorder that affects the development of retinal blood vessels, potentially impairing vision.
  • Coats’ Disease: A rare condition causing abnormal retinal blood vessel development and leakage, primarily seen in young boys.
  • Persistent Fetal Vasculature: When the fetal blood vessels in the eye do not regress as they should, potentially causing vision problems.

These conditions result from injuries to the eye, which can lead to immediate or delayed effects on vision.

  • Commotio Retinae: A temporary whitening of the retina after a blunt injury that may resolve over time.
  • Traumatic Retinal Breaks: Tears in the retina caused by injury, which require prompt treatment to prevent detachment.
  • Retained Lens Fragments: Small pieces of the eye's lens left after an injury or surgery, which can irritate the retina.
  • Intraocular Lens Dislocation: When an implanted lens shifts out of position due to trauma, possibly affecting vision.
  • Choroidal Rupture: A break in the choroid layer beneath the retina following a severe impact, which may lead to vision loss.
  • Ocular Decompression Retinopathy: Retinal changes that occur after a sudden drop in eye pressure due to trauma or surgery.

Some medications can have side effects that impact the retina, potentially leading to changes in vision over time.

  • Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity: Long-term use of this medication may cause damage to the retina and gradual vision loss.
  • Thioridazine Retinopathy: Use of thioridazine can lead to pigment changes in the retina, affecting vision.
  • Tamoxifen Retinopathy: This cancer treatment drug may cause retinal deposits that can disturb central vision.
  • Canthaxanthin Retinopathy: Excessive use of canthaxanthin may result in crystalline deposits in the retina, impacting clarity.
  • Deferoxamine Retinopathy: Treatment with deferoxamine for iron overload can sometimes lead to retinal changes that affect vision.
  • Niacin-Induced Maculopathy: High doses of niacin may cause swelling in the retina, resulting in vision problems.

Your retina is a complex tissue crucial for sight. Our discussion has spanned conditions from common issues like AMD and diabetic retinopathy to rare inherited disorders, trauma, infections, and more—underscoring the importance of early detection and proactive care. If you notice any changes in your vision, please reach out to our retina specialists for personalized advice and a comprehensive evaluation, so that you can preserve the clear pictures of your life for many years to come.

Understanding Retina Diseases & Conditions - Specialty Vision

Contact our experienced retina specialists today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Address your vision concerns early to safeguard your sight and enjoy life to the fullest. Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you through our Specialty Vision directory.

Common Questions

Retinal diseases affect the retina, which is essential for vision. Conditions range from age-related issues like macular degeneration to diabetic retinopathy and inherited disorders.
Common symptoms of retinal conditions include blurred vision, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or seeing floaters. It's essential to consult a specialist if you experience any of these symptoms.
Treatment options vary by condition and can include laser therapy, injections, or surgical procedures. Early detection plays a critical role in the success of many treatments.
Yes, some retinal conditions are hereditary. It's important to discuss your family history with your eye care specialist for appropriate screening.
Regular eye exams are vital for early detection of retinal conditions. If you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of retinal diseases, you should have more frequent check-ups with an eye specialist.
An eye doctor will perform a thorough eye examination using specialized equipment to evaluate the retina. They may also take images of the retina to assess for any abnormalities.
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Understanding Retina Diseases & Conditions - Specialty Vision

Understanding retina diseases and conditions is vital for maintaining vision health. Find specialists listed with Specialty Vision for effective diagnosis and treatment.

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