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Retina and Vitreous Diseases

The retina and vitreous are important structures within the eye, and their health is vital to our vision. Retina and vitreous diseases include conditions like retinal tears, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and more.

At The University of Kansas Health System, our eyecare specialists use the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques to offer a variety of leading-edge surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for retina and vitreous diseases.

What are retina and vitreous diseases?

The retina is the nerve tissue in the back of the eye where the pictures we see are captured. The retina acts like the film in a camera. The vitreous is the gel-like substance that fills the eyeball and contains millions of fine fibers that attach to the retina. Retina and vitreous diseases are conditions that affect the retina and/or vitreous, which can potentially cause vision loss and blindness without treatment.

We offer a variety of appointment types. Learn more or call 913-588-1227 to schedule now.

Types of retina and vitreous diseases

  • AMD is the leading cause of blindness and vision loss for Americans age 65 and older. If the blood vessels in the eye have not leaked, this is dry AMD. Left untreated, this condition gets progressively worse. Wet AMD occurs in more advanced forms of the disease when blood vessels in the eye leak and many new blood vessels develop in the macula, which is the center of the retina.

  • People who have surgical treatment for complicated cataract require an interdisciplinary care team to ensure they receive the best possible outcome.

  • When the blood sugar is too high over time due to diabetes, diabetic eye disease may result. Conditions include diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. If untreated, these conditions can result in significant loss of vision or blindness.

  • This rare condition occurs after cataract surgery and results in the displacement of the implanted lens. In some cases, the lens may enter the vitreous fluid in the cavity of the eye, which can lead to retinal detachment.

  • This inflammation of the intraocular fluids typically results from infection. The condition requires emergency treatment. In serious cases, blindness may result.

  • This condition, also known as choroiditis, results in inflammation in the eye and may affect the retina and optic nerve. It can lead to permanent vision loss.

  • Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls or peels away from the layer of blood vessels at the back of the eye. Symptoms occur suddenly and require prompt emergency treatment. Retinal tears also result in sudden symptoms and require immediate treatment. Retinal tears can lead to retinal detachment.

  • Any blow to the eye and the tissue and bone around it should be promptly evaluated, even when cases appear minor. See a doctor if you have pain, bleeding or vision problems.

Retina and vitreous disease symptoms and risks

You should see a doctor if you have any signs of retina disease:

  • A curtain covering part of the vision
  • Dark shadows in the vision
  • New blurriness or distorted vision
  • New floaters or flashes of light

Retina and vitreous disease diagnosis and screening

Diagnosing retina or vitreous diseases begins with an eye exam, during which your eye doctor can check for any irregularities in the structure of your retina or vitreous. Depending on the results of your initial eye exam, your doctor may recommend more specialized testing and diagnostic tools. The type of imaging and diagnostic tests your doctor suggests will vary depending on your specific concerns and symptoms.

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Retina and vitreous disease treatment

Our retina specialists use the latest diagnostic and surgical technology to offer a variety of leading-edge treatments.

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