During the initial evaluation, Dr. Haines will visually inspect your ocular tissues by using the slit lamp and hand lens. However, when visual inspection is not enough, state-of-the-art electronic instruments are available in the office. Diagnostic information acquired by electronic instruments in our office can be shared with your family physician or other advanced practitioners for further diagnosis or treatments that are not available at Rockingham Eye Associates.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetes is a disease that can affect your entire body. Specifically, diabetes affects the small vessels that supply nutrients to the eyes and other organs. Improved control of the diabetes results in less ocular damage. In the eye, diabetes primarily damages the retina and can greatly reduce visual performance if not treated properly. Treatment begins with early detection of retinal problems by having a Comprehensive Eye Examination. At this examination, drops are put into your eyes in order to see the vessels in the eye. This is called a dilated examination. The dilated examination should be performed at least yearly in someone with diabetes. Patients with identified problems can be further evaluated with the latest in diagnostic OCT equipment and may be treated with laser or injections as necessary. Regular status reports are sent from our office to your family physician who helps you with your diabetes management.

What is a retinal vascular occlusion?

Anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure, vascular disease, and certain blood disorders may be at risk for a retinal vascular occlusion. A retinal vascular occlusion occurs when a vein or artery in the retina becomes blocked and causes varying degrees of visual loss. The beginning of visual loss in a retinal vascular occlusion is usually rapid. Diagnosis and treatment is similar to those described above for diabetic retinopathy.

Although there is no cure, retinal vascular occlusion can be treated by intraocular injections in the office or by laser surgery. Treatment should begin promptly after the symptoms first appear to avoid permanent visual loss. You will be counseled on ways to prevent further occurrences.

What happens when my retina is torn or detached?

Retinal damage may occur when the vitreous, a gel-like fluid that fills the eye, shrinks as the eye ages. The retina may then tear, allowing fluid to seep behind it, further separating it from the eye wall. A torn or detached retina must be treated promptly to avoid serious permanent vision loss.

People who are at risk for a torn or detached retina are those who are highly nearsighted, have a family history of retinal detachment, have suffered an eye injury, or are more than 50 years old.

New or greatly increased appearance of floaters ("spots" or "cobwebs") or flashes (bright spots of light) in the visual field are sometimes, but not always, a symptom of a torn or detached retina. A "dark curtain" over the field of vision is an indicator of retina damage. It is important to see your ophthalmologist immediately should this symptom occur. Most retinal detachments will require a surgical repair.

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