What Issues Can Affect the Retina?
The impact of retinal damage depends on where the damage occurs.
-
Central retina damage can affect your ability to read, see fine details, recognize faces, and perceive colors clearly
-
Damage to the outer retina often causes issues with side (peripheral) vision and seeing in low light or at night
Each type of retinal condition may require a different approach to treatment, so proper diagnosis is key.
Retina Holes or Tears
The retina can sometimes develop small holes or tears, often due to aging or trauma, such as a blow to the head. In some cases, genetics can increase the risk of developing these breaks. If the tear is minor, treatment may not be necessary.
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – A freezing treatment used to seal the tear
-
Laser Therapy – A laser is used to create small burns that help secure the retina in place
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, damaged vessels may lead to the growth of abnormal new vessels on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous. These fragile vessels can bleed, blocking light from reaching the retina and causing blurred or cloudy vision. If left untreated, this condition may lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – Freezing therapy used to stop abnormal blood vessel growth
-
Laser Treatment – Used to shrink abnormal vessels and prevent further damage
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when a tear or break in the retina allows fluid from the vitreous to seep underneath, causing the retina to lift or pull away from the back of the eye. This separation can develop gradually or happen suddenly. One of the most common symptoms is seeing a shadow or dark curtain moving across part of your vision.
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – Freezing treatment
to seal retinal tears
-
Laser Therapy – Used to create
a barrier around the detachment
-
Scleral Buckle – A flexible band
placed around the eye to gently
push the wall of the eye against
the detached retina
-
Gas Bubble Injection – A small bubble is
injected into the eye to help press the retina back into place
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Surgery - Vitrectomy
During a vitrectomy, a tiny incision is made to remove the vitreous gel from inside the eye. If scar tissue is found pulling on the retina, it will also be carefully removed. After the vitreous is taken out, the space is filled with a clear replacement fluid to help maintain the eye’s shape and support the retina as it heals.
Scleral buckle
A scleral buckle is a small, flexible band that’s placed around the outside of the eye
to gently press the eye wall inward, helping to close any breaks in the retina. You won’t see or feel the buckle once it’s in place.
To secure the retina, cryotherapy (a freezing treatment) is used to bond it to the underlying tissue. In some cases, fluid beneath the retina may also be drained to help it lie flat again.
Bubble injection
In this procedure, a small bubble of gas,
air, or silicone oil is carefully injected into the vitreous space of the eye using a fine needle.
The bubble floats inside the eye and gently presses against the area of the retina with the tear, helping it stay in place while it heals. While the bubble is present, your vision may be blurry or blocked in the treated area. Over time, the bubble is naturally absorbed (in the case of gas or air) or may be removed later (if oil is used).
Important:
Following your procedure, you may be asked to lie or sit in a specific position to help the bubble press against the retinal tear. This positioning is crucial for the bubble to effectively seal the break and allow any trapped fluid to be absorbed. In some cases, you may need to remain face down for a period of time—your surgeon will give you clear instructions on how long and how strictly to maintain this position.
If a gas bubble was used during your surgery, do not travel by air until your eye specialist confirms it’s safe. Changes in air pressure can cause dangerous complications.
306-949-2028
3156 Avonhurst Drive, Regina Sask. S4R 3J7
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Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Retinal Treatment
What is the Retina?
When light bounces off objects, it enters the eye through the pupil. It then travels through the lens and the vitreous gel before reaching the retina—a delicate, paper-thin layer at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Once the brain processes these signals, we perceive what we see.
Any damage or changes to the retina can lead to vision loss.
How Can I Tell if My Retina Is Damaged?
Some of the most common warning signs of retinal damage include:
-
Sudden flashes of light
-
Seeing floaters or spots drifting in your vision
-
Visual disturbances that look like smoke or cobwebs
-
Blurred or lost vision
-
Reduced peripheral (side) vision
-
Distorted or warped vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye care professional right away.
What is Retina?
When light bounces off objects, it enters the eye through the pupil. It then travels through the lens and the vitreous gel before reaching the retina—a delicate, paper-thin layer at the back of the eye. The retina converts light into signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Once the brain processes these signals, we perceive what we see.
Any damage or changes to the retina can lead to vision loss.
How Can I Tell if My Retina Is Damaged?
Some of the most common warning signs of retinal damage include:
-
Sudden flashes of light
-
Seeing floaters or spots drifting in your vision
-
Visual disturbances that look like smoke or cobwebs
-
Blurred or lost vision
-
Reduced peripheral (side) vision
-
Distorted or warped vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye care professional right away.
What Issues Can Affect the Retina?
The impact of retinal damage depends on where the damage occurs.
-
Central retina damage can affect your ability to read, see fine details, recognize faces, and perceive colors clearly
-
Damage to the outer retina often causes issues with side (peripheral) vision and seeing in low light or at night
Each type of retinal condition may require a different approach to treatment, so proper diagnosis is key.
Retina Holes or Tears
The retina can sometimes develop small holes or tears, often due to aging or trauma, such as a blow to the head. In some cases, genetics can increase the risk of developing these breaks. If the tear is minor, treatment may not be necessary.
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – A freezing treatment used to seal the tear
-
Laser Therapy – A laser is used to create small burns that help secure the retina in place
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, damaged vessels may lead to the growth of abnormal new vessels on the surface of the retina and into the vitreous. These fragile vessels can bleed, blocking light from reaching the retina and causing blurred or cloudy vision. If left untreated, this condition may lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – Freezing therapy used to stop abnormal blood vessel growth.
-
Laser Treatment – Used to shrink abnormal vessels and prevent further damage
Treatment Options:
-
Cryotherapy – Freezing treatment to seal retinal tears.
-
Laser Therapy – Used to create a barrier around the detachment.
-
Scleral Buckle – A flexible band placed around the eye to gently push the wall of the eye against the detached retina.
-
Gas Bubble Injection – A small bubble is injected into the eye to help press the retina back into place.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when a tear or break in the retina allows fluid from the vitreous to seep underneath, causing the retina to lift or pull away from the back of the eye. This separation can develop gradually or happen suddenly. One of the most common symptoms is seeing a shadow or dark curtain moving across part of your vision.
Surgery - Vitrectomy
During a vitrectomy, a tiny incision is made to remove the vitreous gel from inside the eye. If scar tissue is found pulling on the retina, it will also be carefully removed. After the vitreous is taken out, the space is filled with a clear replacement fluid to help maintain the eye’s shape and support the retina as it heals.
Scleral Buckle
A scleral buckle is a small, flexible band that’s
placed around the outside of the eye
to gently press the eye wall inward,
helping to close any breaks in the retina.
You won’t see or feel the buckle once it’s in place.
To secure the retina, cryotherapy (a freezing treatment) is
used to bond it to the underlying tissue. In some cases,
fluid beneath the retina may also be drained to help it lie flat again.
Bubble Injection
In this procedure, a small bubble of gas, air, or silicone oil is carefully injected into the vitreous space of the eye using a fine needle. The bubble floats inside the eye and gently presses against the area of the retina with the tear, helping it stay in place while it heals. While the bubble is present, your vision may be blurry or blocked in the treated area. Over time, the bubble is naturally absorbed (in the case of gas or air) or may be removed later (if oil is used).
Important:
Following your procedure, you may be asked to lie or sit in a specific position to help the bubble press against the retinal tear. This positioning is crucial for the bubble to effectively seal the break and allow any trapped fluid to be absorbed. In some cases, you may need to remain face down for a period of time—your surgeon will give you clear instructions on how long and how strictly to maintain this position.
If a gas bubble was used during your surgery, do not travel by air until your eye specialist confirms it’s safe. Changes in air pressure can cause dangerous complications.
.png)
306-949-2028
eyesurgeonsofregina@gmail.com
3156 Avonhurst Drive, Regina Sask. S4R 3J7
Monday to Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.