Retinal Conditions and Diseases
Macular Degeneration and Associated Conditions
Macular degeneration affects the central part of the retina, called the macula, which is responsible for detailed vision. Early identification can slow progression and protect sight.
Dry AMD develops gradually as the macula thins over time.
- Early or Intermediate AMD: Mild changes that may not yet disturb vision
- Geographic Atrophy: Advanced loss of retinal cells that causes noticeable central vision loss
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, leading to rapid vision loss.
- Choroidal Neovascularization: Growth of fragile new vessels that leak
- Disciform Scar: Scar tissue that forms after bleeding or fluid leakage and can permanently reduce vision
Certain disorders can accompany or mimic macular degeneration, also affecting central vision.
- Degenerative Myopia: Severe nearsightedness that stretches and thins the retina
- Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Fluid buildup under the retina causing blurred or distorted vision
- Pathologic Myopia: Progressive retinal deterioration from extreme nearsightedness
Diabetic Retinal Disease
High blood sugar can damage retinal blood vessels, leading to vision changes that range from mild to severe. Regular eye exams are essential for people with diabetes.
NPDR is the early stage of diabetic eye disease, marked by small vessel changes.
- Mild NPDR: Microaneurysms without major vision loss
- Moderate NPDR: Increasing retinal damage
- Severe NPDR: Extensive vessel changes with a high risk of progression
PDR is an advanced stage where new, fragile vessels grow on the retina and may bleed or scar.
- Neovascularization of the Disc: New vessels near the optic nerve
- Fibrovascular Proliferation: Scar tissue formation that can cause retinal detachment
Swelling or reduced blood flow in the macula can blur or distort central vision.
- Diabetic Macular Edema: Fluid leakage causes macular swelling
- Diabetic Macular Ischemia: Poor blood supply harms the macula
- Diabetic Papillopathy: Swelling of the optic disc related to diabetes
Therapies for diabetic retinal disease may produce side effects that require monitoring.
- Post-PRP Effects: Peripheral vision loss after laser treatment
- Anti-VEGF Complications: Rare inflammation or infection following injections
Retinal Detachments and Predisposing Conditions
Retinal detachment happens when the retina separates from the eye wall, threatening permanent vision loss. Several factors can increase risk.
These detachments arise from problems within the retina or vitreous itself.
- Rhegmatogenous Detachment: A retinal tear lets fluid collect underneath
- Tractional Detachment: Scar tissue pulls the retina away
- Exudative Detachment: Fluid accumulates without a tear, often from inflammation
Certain peripheral retinal weaknesses make detachment more likely.
- Lattice Degeneration
- Giant Retinal Tears
- Atrophic Retinal Holes
- Horseshoe or Flap Tears
Even after successful repair, some issues can affect healing or vision.
- Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: Scar tissue leading to re-detachment
- Protruding Scleral Buckle: A surgical band that presses on the eye
- Silicone Oil in the Anterior Chamber: Migration of surgical oil that may need removal
Injuries or surgical complications can also separate the retina.
- Choroidal Rupture
- Commotio Retinae
- Traumatic Retinal Breaks
- Retained Lens Fragments
- Intraocular Lens Dislocation
Macular Diseases (Non-Degenerative)
Not all macular disorders are age-related. Some involve structure, blood flow, or sudden inflammation.
Physical changes within macular tissue can distort central vision.
- Macular Hole
- Lamellar Macular Hole
- Pseudohole
- Acute Retinal Pigment Epitheliitis
Abnormal macular blood vessels disrupt nutrient flow.
- Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Fluid accumulation causes swelling and blurred central vision.
- Cystoid Macular Edema
Sudden-onset conditions can temporarily or permanently change vision.
- Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy
- Acute Idiopathic Maculopathy
- Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy
- Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy
Vitreoretinal Interface Disorders
These conditions involve the point where the vitreous gel meets the retinal surface, often causing floaters or distortion.
The retinal layers split slowly with age, usually remaining stable.
The vitreous separates from the retina, producing floaters or flashes that require monitoring.
Amyloid protein builds up in the vitreous, clouding vision and signaling systemic disease.
A circular floater forms when the vitreous detaches from the optic nerve head.
Scar tissue on the retinal surface causes wavy or blurry vision and may need surgery if severe.
Excess adhesion between vitreous and macula pulls on the retina, distorting sight.
Small calcium deposits float within the vitreous but usually do not affect vision.
Hereditary and Developmental Disorders
Genetic and developmental conditions can disrupt retinal structure or function from birth or childhood.
These inherited disorders reduce night and peripheral vision over time.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Leber Congenital Amaurosis
Central vision and color perception decline, affecting daily tasks.
- Cone-Rod Dystrophy
- Achromatopsia
Genetic changes harm the macula, leading to blurred or distorted central vision.
- Stargardt Disease
- Best Disease
- Pattern Dystrophies
Several genetic syndromes affect retinal health.
- Choroideremia
- X-linked Juvenile Retinoschisis
- Bietti's Crystalline Retinopathy
- Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy
- Glycogen Storage Disease Type V
- HANAC Syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Peroxisomal Diseases with Ocular Effects
Structural differences that form during eye development can alter vision.
- Chorioretinal Coloboma
- Myelinated Nerve Fibers
- Albinism
Changes in the optic nerve head may influence how signals reach the brain.
- Optic Disc Pit
- Prepapillary Vascular Loops
- Optic Disc Drusen
Some multisystem disorders have characteristic retinal findings.
- Aicardi Syndrome
- Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- DiGeorge Syndrome
- Tuberous Sclerosis
- Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy
- Microcephaly with Chorioretinopathy
Other Retinal Conditions
Beyond common disorders, many additional conditions can threaten vision or require monitoring.
The choroid supports the retina with blood and nutrients. Its diseases can disturb vision.
- Angioid Streaks
- Choroidal Detachment
- Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
- Chorioretinal Folds
- Choroidal Hemangioma
Both benign and malignant growths may arise in retinal or choroidal tissue.
- Benign Lesions: Bear Tracks, Astrocytic Hamartoma, Choroidal Nevus, Congenital Hypertrophy of the RPE, Combined Hamartoma
- Malignant Tumors: Intraocular Melanoma, Retinoblastoma, Metastatic Tumors
- Vascular Tumors and Paraneoplastic Syndromes: von Hippel-Lindau Disease, Retinal Capillary Hemangioma, Retinal Cavernous Hemangioma, Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation
The immune system can mistakenly attack the retina, sometimes linked to cancer elsewhere.
- Cancer-Associated Retinopathy
- Melanoma-Associated Retinopathy
- Autoimmune Retinopathy
- Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy
- Bilateral Diffuse Uveal Melanocytic Proliferation
Children may develop unique retinal conditions that require early detection.
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
- Coats’ Disease
- Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Injuries to the eye can immediately or gradually disturb retinal health.
- Commotio Retinae
- Traumatic Retinal Breaks
- Retained Lens Fragments
- Intraocular Lens Dislocation
- Choroidal Rupture
- Ocular Decompression Retinopathy
Certain drugs have known retinal side effects that call for regular monitoring.
- Hydroxychloroquine Toxicity
- Thioridazine Retinopathy
- Tamoxifen Retinopathy
- Canthaxanthin Retinopathy
- Deferoxamine Retinopathy
- Niacin-Induced Maculopathy
Partnering in Your Retinal Health
Protecting your vision begins with awareness and regular eye examinations. Our team is dedicated to guiding Northern and Central New Jersey patients through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for retinal conditions. Together, we can help keep your eyesight clear and your quality of life high.
Dr. Larisa Kayserman is a wonderful doctor. She is very attentive. Doctor maid operation the same day. I'm very satisfied with the result.
Rafail
My family are always treated nice when we come for our eye exams. And Dr. Jai is the best eye doctor that is. Thank you for taking care of me, my husband and my daughter.
Cynthia Fernan
Dr. Kayserman is a wonderful retina surgeon. Very professional and thorough, and also a delightful person. Her office staff are also very professional and friendly.
Barbara Lacher
Complete professionalism describes Dr. Kayserman and her skilled staff. They make my need for care as pleasant, painless, and beneficial as possible. From arrival to exit, you are treated with respect.
Arnie Aleskovsky
I recently had surgery on both eyes for cataracts. Dr. Jai and his staff did a tremendous job. He explained the process and aided in my recovery.
Robert Lyons