At Retina Institute of Michigan, board-certified ophthalmologist Anu Patel, MD, specializes in treating vitreoretinal diseases, macular disorders, retinal detachment, and retinal tears using the latest advanced equipment and surgical approaches. Call the office in Bingham Farms or send us a message through our website.

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What is vitreoretinal disease?

Vitreoretinal disease is any disease affecting your retina or the vitreous body gel that fills your eyes. Some of the many different vitreoretinal diseases include:

  • Macular degeneration
  • Retinal tear
  • Retinal detachment
  • Macular disorders (macular pucker, macular hole)
  • Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy
  • Retinal vein occlusion (blockage)

Dr. Patel diagnoses, manages, and treats all vitreoretinal diseases.

What are the signs of vitreoretinal disease?

Vitreoretinal disease doesn’t necessarily cause major symptoms in the beginning stages, but as your disease progresses, you could experience the following problems.

  • Floating shapes (floaters)
  • Flashing lights
  • Poor night vision
  • Decreased central or side vision
  • Visual distortions
  • Faded color vision
  • Blank spots
  • A veil over your vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Halos around lights
  • Headaches
  • Eye swelling
  • Eye pain

If you’re suffering from some of these symptoms, see Dr. Patel at Retina Institute of Michigan right away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of your vitreoretinal disease could save your vision.

What kind of treatment do I need for vitreoretinal disease?

At Retina Institute of Michigan, Dr. Patel performs all kinds of treatment and surgery, including:

Injections
Injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medication treat conditions like wet macular degeneration. The medication controls abnormal blood vessel growth and stops leakage.

Laser therapy
Laser therapy can be a standalone treatment or may be combined with injections to stop blood vessel leakage, macular swelling, and other problems associated with retinal issues.

Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy is a procedure in which Dr. Patel removes the vitreous body and then places a replacement made of air or gas. This method of treatment is highly specific to your condition and Dr. Patel will spend time explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits in detail.

Scleral buckle
In a scleral buckle surgery, Dr. Patel uses a silicone band to stabilize a damaged area in your eye. This surgery may correct retinal detachment.

Surgery is sometimes only part of the solution for vitreoretinal problems. You may need medication, especially if you suffer from an underlying disease like high blood pressure or diabetes. It’s important to control the underlying disease as well as working closely with Dr. Patel to preserve your eye health.

For specialized medical and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal disease, call Retina Institute of Michigan or send us a message through our website.