Definition & Training
A Retina Specialist is a medical doctor (M.D.) with specialization in eye disease (ophthalmology) and further sub-specialization in disease of the back of the eye — the vitreous and retina.
What Does a Retina Specialist Do?
A retina specialist diagnoses and treats specific parts of the highly complex human visual system. The retina is a light-sensitive area in the back of the eye, and it includes the macula — made up of light-sensitive cells that give us our ability to have sharp, detailed vision.
The vitreous body is a clear gel filling the space between the retina and the lens. The retina, macula, and vitreous body can all be subject to diseases and conditions that may require the attention of a retina specialist.
The medical treatments and surgical procedures used by retina specialists are extremely exacting and delicate. Most surgeries require a microscope — truly microsurgical procedures performed in an incredibly small space.
Common Procedures
- Injections into the eye to treat Macular Degeneration
- Retinal detachment surgery
- Diabetic vitrectomy surgery
- Macular pucker vitrectomy
- Macular hole vitrectomy
- Repair of ruptured globe
Adapted from the American Society of Retina Specialists (asrs.org)
What is a Retina Specialist — Video
Conditions Treated
Retina specialists treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal vein and artery occlusions
- Macular holes and epiretinal membranes
- Uveitis
- Cancers of the eye
- Hereditary diseases of the eye
- Severe eye trauma