Retinal disease, prevention, and treatment
The Retina is a highly complex structure and the portion of the eye that allows detection of light and your ability to ‘see’. Even small issues with the retina can lead to catastrophic effects on your vision and eyesight. As with many other parts of the body, once the retina is damaged there is very little we can do to reverse the damage. The good news is that there are many things that we can do to prevent this damage in the first place. Once there is a diagnosis or sufficient risk of developing a retinal condition, we will monitor your retina to preserve health and eyesight. Proactive care will allow us to efficiently refer to retinal specialists and surgeons when required for further consultation or treatment.
COMMON DISEASES AND CONCERNS
Macular Degeneration
Steps can be taken to reduce your likelihood of developing this and other diseasesSystemic Conditions
Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol can all affect the retina and your visionMedication Use
Many medications can cause changes to the retina and should be monitoredRetinal Surgeons
Some ocular conditions require surgical intervention, we work closely with retinal surgeons who are available for referralPrevention
Nutrition and lifestyle changes can be implemented to help preserve your visionUV Protection
Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV damageLeading causes of blindness
Diabetes and age-related macular degeneration are two of the leading causes of blindness in North America. Approximately 40% of individuals with diabetes were found to have changes in their retina due to diabetes, and the risk of blindness is 25x higher for individuals with diabetes. One-in-fifteen individuals aged 65-74 and one-in-five individuals above 75 years old show signs of macular degeneration. Our doctors are trained and use advanced technologies to diagnose many retinal conditions, and work with retinal surgeons should the need for surgical intervention arise.
