Do You Need a Retinal Detachment Specialist? Signs to Watch For

There's no understating the importance of vision, but we often don't think about our eyesight until something goes wrong. Even then, it can be difficult to determine when or where to seek help, especially when life gets busy and scheduling an appointment with the eye doctor falls to the bottom of the priority list. However, some retinal conditions, such as retinal detachments, are considered medical emergencies and require immediate care. It’s important to recognize the signs of a retinal detachment and how you can seek help in the case of an emergency.

When a Retinal Condition Requires Specialized Care

It can be challenging to recognize the signs of a retinal condition before it begins to have a significant impact on your sight. When noticeable symptoms appear, you may turn to your general ophthalmologist. However, if they determine the issue is related to the retina, they’ll likely refer you to a retina specialist.

There are specific retinal conditions that require specialized care, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular conditions (holes, puckers, and edemas)
• Vein and artery occlusions
• Retinal tears and detachments

A Retina Specialist vs a General Ophthalmologist

Retina specialists and general ophthalmologists both complete four years of college, four years of medical school, one year of internship training, and at least three years of supervised training in an accredited ophthalmology residency program. However, a retina specialist must undergo additional training to become an expert in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of diseases and surgery of the retina and the surrounding vitreous body.

The Signs of a Retinal Detachment

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from its regular position. This is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of a retinal detachment include:

• The sudden appearance of floaters in your vision
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• Blurred vision
• Worsening side (peripheral) vision
• A curtain-like shadow appearing over your field of vision

Retinal detachments can cause permanent blindness if left untreated.

Get World-Class Retinal Care in New York

It’s crucial to seek care from a retina specialist at the first sign of a retina detachment. At Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY, our experienced retina specialists can diagnose and treat a wide range of retinal conditions, including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, and more. We also provide 24/7 emergency care, 365 days a year, so you never have to worry about finding a retina specialist when a serious situation strikes.

At Vitreoretinal Consultants, we’re proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Manhattan (Upper East Side), NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, New City, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.