Understanding the Retina

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of our eye. Light rays are focused onto the retina through our cornea, pupil and lens. The retina then converts the light rays into impulses that travel through the optic nerve to our brain, where they are interpreted as the images we see. A healthy retina is key to clear vision.

Distortions of vision, such as blurred words on a page, a dark spot that appears in the center of vision, or straight lines that appear wavy, can all be signs of retinal condition.

The doctors at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons are dedicated to helping patients with a wide variety of retina eye problems and setting the standard for diagnosing and treating retinal disease.

At Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons we treat a wide variety of retina eye conditions including:

• Macular Degeneration
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Macula Edema
• Flashes and Floaters
• Retinal Vein Occlusions

Retina Diagnosis

Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons performs comprehensive dilated eye examinations. We have the latest in-office diagnostic tests and treatments including: high definition OCT, digital fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, digital ultrasound of the eye and adnexa, laser treatments, and intravitreal injections of medications.

Your First Visit:

Due to the specialized nature of retinal eye exams, please consider the following:

Your first visit will include a comprehensive examination and evaluation of your retina. Prior to seeing your physician, you will first meet with an experienced ophthalmic technician who will take your medical history, check vision and screening tests, and administer drops to dilate your pupils. Please bring a list of your medications for us to review. You may also need to have a retinal photography such as an OCT or a fluorescein angiogram to aid your diagnosis and monitor changes in your condition. This may require additional time in the office.

Following a diagnosis and a thorough explanation of your condition and treatment options, you may require medical treatment on your first visit for some urgent retinal conditions.

Your initial evaluation may take two to three hours due to the complex nature of some retinal diseases. Subsequent visits may be significantly shorter depending on the time needed for the necessary diagnostic tests or treatments based on your individual retinal condition. Dilation of your pupils can result in blurred vision and sensitivity to light. So you may wish to bring sunglasses with you and arrange to have someone drive you home, if you’re not using public transportation.