Retinal diseases include a wide range of conditions affecting the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. They are a major cause of visual impairment and blindness.
Examples and symptoms
Different retinal disorders affect central or peripheral vision in distinct ways.
- Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and vein occlusions
- Inherited dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa
- Retinal detachment and macular holes causing sudden vision loss
- Common symptoms include distortion, floaters, flashes, or dark shadows
Diagnosis and treatment
Advanced imaging and targeted therapies have transformed outcomes for many patients.
- OCT, angiography, and visual field testing for detailed assessment
- Anti-VEGF injections, laser therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery where indicated
- Systemic disease control, such as diabetes management, to protect the retina
- Low-vision services when damage is irreversible
