The retina is the thin membrane that lines the back of the eye and contains the “rods and cones” that transfer light focused by the cornea and lens into electric impulses carried by the optic nerve to the brain. The eye “takes the picture” and the brain “develops it.”

In the center of the retina, similar to the central bulls-eye of a target, is the macula, the most sensitive part of the retina and the part that gives precise vision for reading and driving. Some common disorders of the retina include macular degeneration, “floaters” and retinal detachment. Many patients with macular degeneration can now be treated with vitamins and medication to avert severe vision loss.

Patients with diabetes can develop a growth of new blood vessels in the retina which may bleed and affect vision. We use special instruments, cameras and lasers to detect retina problems and can usually treat most problems in the office.