William N. Rosenthal, MD, FACS

Eye Conditions

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina, and usually affects both eyes. There are no common symptoms present during the early stages of diabetic retinopathy. If you experience blurred vision or “floating” spots, contact our office as soon as possible. People with diabetes can help prevent the development of diabetic retinopathy by carefully managing their blood sugar level and blood pressure.

Retinal Disorders

  • Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment is a very serious condition which occurs when the retina becomes separated from the underlying supportive tissues, preventing the retina from functioning properly. If you notice spots, floaters, flashes of light, poor vision or a shadow appearance across the top of the eye, seek care immediately.
  • Macular Hole: Macular holes are tears or cysts that can develop in the macula (a small spot in the retina, or back inner part of the eye), where fine focusing occurs. Macular holes usually cause a sudden decrease in vision in one eye. Visit our office immediately if you notice a sudden loss of vision in one eye.
  • Floaters: Floaters are small specks that move in and out of your field of vision. They may be more noticeable when looking at a plain background. Floaters are tiny clumps of cells inside the vitreous humour (the clear fluid that fills the inside of the eye) that can be different shapes.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is an age-related condition that leads to vision loss in the center of the field of vision. Along with glaucoma, AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Americans 65 and older.

There are two types of macular degeneration:

  • Dry Macular Degeneration is the more common form of AMD that causes the center of the retina (macula) to deteriorate, resulting in blurred vision. Dry macular degeneration occurs as part of the normal aging process, causing the macular tissue to thin and deposit pigmentation in the center part of the eye, thus distorting your vision.
  • Wet Macular Degeneration is not as common as dry AMD, but it is more damaging and can lead to more serious vision loss. Wet macular degeneration occurs when new blood vessels begin to grow under the retina and leak fluid and blood, which can cause permanent damage and loss of vision.

There are two categories of wet macular degeneration: occult and classic. Occult wet macular degeneration is when the growth of blood vessels is not as prominent and the leakage is less apparent. This is less damaging than classic wet degeneration, which is when the blood vessel growth is very obvious producing noticeable outlines beneath the retina. This produces more severe vision loss.

Generally, AMD is a progressive condition slowly causing vision loss. In rare instances though, symptoms can appear suddenly. If you begin to have difficulty reading in low lighted areas, notice an increase in blurriness in words, recognize an apparent blind spot in the center of your field of vision or begin to notice a decrease in the brightness of colors, you may have macular degeneration.

The exact cause of dry macular degeneration is still unknown, but aging and genetics are suggested contributing factors of this condition. There is no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but there are treatments available that may help slow down the progression of the disease or possibly even improve vision.

Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of AMD. There are no FDA-approved treatments available for dry AMD, but certain nutritional therapies have shown to help prevent the progression to wet AMD. Treatment for wet AMD uses certain medications that focus on preventing future growth of abnormal blood vessels.

Mid-America Retina Consultants, P.A.

  • Main Office - 10740 Nall Ave., Suite 220, Overland Park, KS 66211 Phone: 913.663.5900 Fax: 913.663.5902
  • Fort Scott - 916 US Hwy. 69 S., Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 913.663.5900

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