Retina & Diabetic Eye Care
Pacific Eye Associates offers comprehensive retinal care for patients with a range of retinal conditions. Our retina specialists provide both medical and surgical management of retinal disease, including in-office treatments and procedures.
Supporting vision through early detection & expert care.
Early detection helps manage retinal conditions.
In this Page
What is the Retina?
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive cells lining the back of the eye. When light enters the eye, it passes through the clear, gel-like substance that fills the eye’s interior (vitreous) before reaching the retina. The retina then converts that light into signals that travel to the brain through the optic nerve, allowing us to see.
Just behind the retina lies the choroid, a layer of blood vessels that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the outer retina. The retina itself is also fed by its own network of retinal veins, which run across its surface. When these blood vessels are damaged, or when the retinal tissue itself is affected by disease, vision can be impaired.
Conditions We Treat
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a chronic condition that causes gradual deterioration of the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 60. AMD does not typically affect peripheral vision. There are two forms:
- Dry AMD (common) occurs when small deposits called drusen accumulate beneath the retina over time, gradually affecting the macula’s ability to function. Vision changes may be subtle at first.
- Wet AMD (less common) tends to progress more rapidly. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid, causing more sudden changes in central vision.
For patients with early-stage Dry AMD, we also offer VALEDA® Red Light Therapy, a non-invasive treatment option that uses a series of low-level light sessions to improve and maintain visual acuity.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Elevated blood sugar over time can cause these vessels to swell, leak, or close off — and in some cases, abnormal new vessels may grow. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss among working-age adults with diabetes.
Symptoms may include floaters, blurred vision, dark areas in the visual field, and difficulty distinguishing colors. In early stages, there may be no symptoms at all, making routine screening particularly important for patients with diabetes.
Management involves close coordination with your primary care provider or endocrinologist to support blood sugar control, alongside regular monitoring and treatment by a retinal specialist when indicated.
Retinal Detachment and Tears
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye. With age, it can shrink and pull away from the retina, sometimes causing a tear. If fluid passes through a tear and lifts the retina away from the underlying tissue, a detachment can occur. Retinal detachment is a medical urgency and requires prompt evaluation.
Symptoms may include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow across part of your vision. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Macular Pucker and Macular Hole
The macula must lie flat against the back of the eye to function properly. Changes in the vitreous with age can cause the macula to develop scar tissue on its surface (macular pucker) or a small break in its center (macular hole). Both conditions can affect the clarity and accuracy of central vision. Symptoms may include blurry or distorted central vision, with straight lines appearing wavy or bent.
Symptoms to Watch For
Retinal conditions can affect vision in different ways. If you notice any of these changes, contact our office for evaluation.
Treatments
- In-Office Treatments — Including intravitreal injections and laser treatments for retinal tears, diabetic eye disease, and vascular conditions.
- Surgical Procedures — Including vitrectomy for more complex retinal conditions.
Have questions or ready to schedule?
Our retina specialists are available for both new patient consultations and ongoing care.
Meet Our Retina Specialists
Our surgeons combine advanced training with a patient-first approach, taking the time to understand your vision goals and guide you through your options with clarity and care.
Our Approach to Retinal Care
Retinal conditions are often progressive, and management typically involves ongoing monitoring rather than a single intervention. Our retina specialists provide individualized evaluation and treatment planning based on each patient’s clinical findings, imaging, and risk factors.
If you have been diagnosed with a retinal condition, have a family history of retinal disease, or are experiencing any changes in your vision, we encourage you to schedule an evaluation. Regular dilated eye exams are recommended even without symptoms.
