Here are some questions that are routinely asked. If you do not find your question in the list below, please write to doctor at retinaindia dot org.
- Do I go to a general ophthalmologist or a retina specialist for a check-up?
- How do I find a retina specialist in my area?
- Can my ophthalmologist diagnose my retinal condition?
- How quickly do retinal disorders progress?
- Can retinal disorders lead to total blindness?
- Is there a treatment for my retinal condition?
- What questions should I ask my eye doctor?
- What are low-vision aids?
- What is a cataract? My doctor tells me I have a cataract, but is not sure how much vision I will gain after my cataract surgery. What should I do?
- I have undergone cataract surgery, but the visual improvement has not been good.
- What is macular edema?
- Does taking vitamins help stabilize retinal disorders?
- Can an eye transplant be performed?
- Do I need a regular check even though I do not have any vision problem at this time?
- My vision is good, and yet the doctor is recommending treatment. What should I do?
- I see black spots in front of my eye. What does that mean?
Do I go to a general ophthalmologist or a retina specialist for a check-up?
Retina specialists are trained to diagnose and treat retinal disorders. But general ophthalmologists do have knowledge of retinal diseases. If you are consulting a general ophthalmologist, you can ask your doctor whether you need to be referred to a retina specialist.
How do I find a retina specialist in my area?
You can find a retina specialist in your area by talking to your general ophthalmologist, a retinal patient whom you know, or searching on the internet.
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Disclaimer: This free service is provided to help you find a retina specialist. We are not legally responsible for the names of the doctors/clinics/hospitals that show up, or do not show up, on the map.
Can my ophthalmologist diagnose my retinal condition?
General ophthalmologists do have knowledge of retinal disorders, though they may not be specially trained in the management of retinal disorders. You can check with your ophthalmologist about the need for a referral to a retinal specialist.
How quickly do retinal disorders progress?
The progression differs in each patient. It depends on the cause of the disorder, which can be genetic in nature, like in Retinitis Pigmentosa, where the type of genetic defect will affect the progression of the disorder. In cases like Diabetic Retinopathy, the progression depends on various associated factors like blood sugar levels and previous treatment. Your ophthalmologist or retinal specialist will be able to answer specific questions regarding your disease.
Can retinal disorders lead to total blindness?
Retinal disorders such as retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy can be stabilized if managed at the right time. Other conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, which presently do not have treatment, may progress to significant visual impairment in cases with certain genetic defects. Babies with Retinopathy of Prematurity, if born with a significant disease, may not develop sight at all.
Is there a treatment for my retinal condition?
Many retinal disorders are treatable, though some treatments may only stabilize the disease. Medical research is in progress to find a cure for other retinal conditions for which treatment is not presently available. Please refer to the {Retinal Disorders} page to know more about the condition you are interested in.
What questions should I ask my eye doctor?
You have a right to know about your condition. You can ask for details of your condition, including the name of the disorder, the various tests required and the reasons for the tests, the likely treatment options available, and the possible outcomes of these treatment options. You should try and satisfy yourself regarding the outcomes of your condition and get adequate answers to your questions. You may also request a second opinion for your condition, if you feel the need for it, or your eye doctor may refer you to a colleague for another opinion.
What are low-vision aids?
People with retinal disorders can use low vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopic glasses and closed-circuit television to make the most of their eyesight. Some of these low vision aids can be magnifiers, telescopic glasses, closed-circuit television, etc. The use of a specific low vision aid depends on the retinal condition you have, as well as your specific needs. It also depends on the patient’s motivation to use this aid. You can contact us at info@retinaindia.org to get more information.
What is a cataract? My doctor tells me I have a cataract, but is not sure how much vision I will gain after my cataract surgery. What should I do?
Cataract causes opacification or clouding of the natural lens of the eye. A cataract may make your sight a bit hazy, and as it progresses, the vision can become significantly impaired. Cataracts can develop in older patients, though they can also be seen in association with certain retinal disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, etc.
If you have been told you have a cataract that has to be removed, please make sure that you understand why this has to be done. In most cases, a cataract is removed so that the patient’s sight improves. However, it is sometimes removed since its presence makes it difficult for the ophthalmologist or the retina specialist to examine your retina. Also, in cases of pre-existing retinal conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, removal of cataract may not help you see better than before, The visual recovery is considered guarded in such cases. Please check with your cataract surgeon regarding the likely visual outcome and the specific reason for cataract surgery.
I have undergone cataract surgery, but the visual improvement has not been good.
You may have one of the pre-existing retinal conditions mentioned above. Or you may have developed a retinal condition such as a swelling in the back of the eye after surgery that may delay your return to better sight. Very rarely, there may be complications (as in any other surgery) leading to visual impairment. Please talk to your cataract surgeon for more information.
What is macular edema?
Macular edema refers to a swelling in the back of the eye, or the region called the macula, which is the most important part of the retina. Such swelling may be due to diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinitis Pigmentosa or other such condition. This swelling can lead to difficulty in sight, from seeing fuzzy to significant visual impairment. Retina specialists can treat this condition, depending on its cause, in various ways, which may include laser, injections or occasionally surgery.
Does taking vitamins help stabilize retinal disorders?
There is no convincing evidence to suggest that taking increased levels of any vitamin will be beneficial to a specific retinal disorder. But taking multivitamins regularly is generally considered good for health.
Can an eye transplant be performed?
An eye transplant usually refers to a corneal transplant. At present, a complete eye transplant is not possible. The retina is a part of the brain, with millions of connections between the nerve fibers in the retina and the brain. It is extremely difficult to replicate this structure.
Do I need a regular check even though I do not have any vision problem at this time?
Yes, you need a regular check for your eyes, even if you do not have any vision problems. It is recommended that you check your eyes routinely every year once you are over 40 years of age. It is also important that you should get your eyes checked regularly if you have diabetes. An ophthalmologist or a retina expert can diagnose eye disorders that may require treatment and help you maintain your vision. If you delay going to see the doctor, the condition/s may progress and cause irreparable changes, leading to a reduced capacity to see well. Please check with your ophthalmologist or the retina specialist about your next visit.
My vision is good, and yet the doctor is recommending treatment. What should I do?
Occasionally, your doctor may advise eye treatment even if you have fairly good vision. This is usually meant as a precaution to prevent your vision from getting worse. Treatment is usually indicated to decrease the possibility of vision loss. If you have not understood the reasons for such a treatment, please have a frank discussion with the doctor treating you. If you are not convinced, you can always choose to get a second opinion.
I see black spots in front of my eye. What does that mean?
A lot of people see black spots (or ‘flies’, ‘floaters’ or ‘threads’) in front of their eyes. If such spots have been stable over a period of time, and there are no associated flashes of light or decrease in field of view or vision in that eye, you probably need not worry. But if there is a sudden shower of black spots in one or both eyes, or it is associated with flashes of light or decrease in vision, you must have a retina evaluation as soon as possible. These may be signs of an impending retinal detachment. If you have been diagnosed with a retinal detachment in one eye, you should have your other eye checked regularly. There may be some weak areas in the retina in the other eye that need to be treated to prevent retinal detachment in that eye.
