Your retinas are tiny, but mighty because they’re responsible for clear and detailed vision. When you have any type of retina issue, such as macular degeneration or retinal detachment, you need a retina specialist like Anu Patel, MD. At Retina Institute of Michigan, Dr. Patel delivers compassionate and customized retina care in a comfortable small practice setting. Patients come from all over the state for Dr. Patel’s expert care. Join their ranks by calling the office in Bingham Farms or sending us a message through our website.
What are some problems requiring retina care?
Your retina, and particularly the macula in its center, are vulnerable to several problems, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
- Retinal tears
- Macular pucker
- Macular hole
- Retinopathy
- Retinal vein occlusion
If you have any of these conditions, see Dr. Patel at Retina Institute of Michigan as soon as possible to discuss treatment strategies to preserve your vision.
Why is the retina so vulnerable to problems?
The main reason that your retina is so vulnerable to problems is the aging process, but not everyone develops retina problems as they age.
Your retina is at the back of your eye, and the many tiny cells within it are generally anchored quite securely in place. As you age, the vitreous body, the gel that fills your eye, begins shrinking. The shrinking can sometimes lead to problems like retinal tears, retinal detachment, macular pucker, and macular hole.
Aging is also the reason for macular degeneration, in which small protein clumps and/or unhealthy new blood vessels grow below your macula. Another reason for retina problems can be blood vessel damage within the eye, which is often caused by diabetes (diabetic retinopathy) and high blood pressure
What types of retina care are available?
Dr. Patel offers retina care of all kinds, including:
Monitoring
If your retina problem isn’t causing vision problems or eye health issues, Dr. Patel may monitor it closely rather than recommending immediate treatment. This is often the case with dry age-related macular degeneration, as there’s no medical treatment for it at this time.
Eye injections
With eye injections, also called intraocular injections, Dr. Patel can deliver specific medications to target the disease process to help stop leakage and reduce new blood vessel growth. This is often the treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and blood vessel blockages.
Laser treatment
Laser treatment can stop abnormal blood vessels from leaking and can also help repair a retinal hole or tear.. Dr. Patel may combine laser treatment with eye injections, and it’s also part of some eye surgeries.
Eye surgery
Repairing the retina and associated structures of the eye are complex, intricate procedures. They are performed at a surgical facility under carefully monitored anthesia. Dr. Patiel has peformed thousands of these procedures and has trained many residents and fellows to do the same.
Because of the unique details of each case, Dr. Patel will address all of the risks, benefits, and patient concerns at the time of your visit. Family members are encouraged to participate in these discussions to ensure that you can make the most reliable and informed decisions regarding your care.
Call Retina Institute of Michigan today, or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment for retina care at any time.