Specialised Retinal Care

A serious, vision-threatening condition where the retina separates from the wall of the eye, stopping it from working properly. Warning signs include suddenly seeing more floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow moving across your vision. It is an emergency — without quick treatment, permanent vision loss can occur. Retinal detachment cannot heal on its own.

Treatment Options

• Laser retinopexy — seals a select group of very small detachments with low risk of progression
• Vitrectomy surgery — the vitreous gel is removed and replaced with an air/gas bubble or silicone oil to keep the retina in position
• Scleral buckling surgery — a silicone buckle indents the eye, pushing the retina back against its supportive tissues
• Pneumatic retinopexy — an expandable gas bubble, with cryotherapy or laser to seal retinal breaks (for small detachments)

A thin layer of scar-like tissue forms on the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. As it contracts, the macula wrinkles or puckers, causing blurry, distorted vision or straight lines appearing wavy. Mild cases that do not significantly affect vision may simply be monitored; when symptoms are noticeable, vitrectomy surgery is often recommended.

Vitrectomy Surgery Process

• Removal of vitreous gel — the vitreous gel inside the eye is carefully removed
• Peeling of the ERM — the membrane is gently peeled away from the retinal surface
• Replacement of vitreous gel — replaced with saline solution, air, gas or silicone oil to maintain the eye’s shape

The progressive deterioration of the macula that occurs with age, in two forms: dry (atrophic) and wet (neovascular). Patients begin to lose central vision and cannot see fine details of nearby and distant objects.

Treatment Options

• Dry AMD — high-dose antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements may reduce the risk of vision loss in intermediate or advanced disease
• Intravitreal injections — anti-VEGF medications block growth factors causing abnormal, leaky blood vessels (wet AMD)
• Photodynamic therapy (cold laser) — a light-activated drug destroys the abnormal vessels causing wet AMD
• Argon laser photocoagulation (hot laser) — a focused laser seals off abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina

Occurs in individuals with diabetes, where high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels, causing bleeding, swelling and scarring. Over time this can cause blurriness, dark spots, poor night vision or even vision loss if untreated.

Treatment Options

• Photocoagulation panretinal laser — prevents abnormal new vessels from growing and encourages existing ones to shrink
• Macular laser — treats leakage of fluid from tiny blood vessels in the macula
• Anti-VEGF injections — reduce swelling of the macula
• Vitrectomy — the vitreous gel is removed and replaced to support the retina

A small break in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision and fine detail. It can cause blurry or distorted central vision — straight lines looking wavy, dark spots, and difficulty focusing on fine details. While small holes may sometimes close on their own, most cases require vitrectomy surgery.

Treatment Options

• Peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) — relieves tension on the macular hole
• Gas bubble injection — the bubble acts as a temporary bandage, holding the edges of the hole in place to promote closure
• Post-surgery care — face-down positioning for several days keeps the bubble in position and enhances closure

Fluid accumulates under the retina, causing blurred or distorted central vision. Managing underlying health factors is an important part of care.

Treatment Options

• Oral medication — may help reduce fluid accumulation
• Photodynamic therapy (cold laser) — closes leaking vessels, reducing fluid and helping the retina reattach properly
• Lifestyle and risk factor management — managing blood pressure, reducing stress, improving sleep and avoiding corticosteroids where possible

Small specks, threads or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision, most noticeable against a bright, plain background. They result from changes in the vitreous gel — commonly age-related changes, short-sightedness (myopia), inflammation/injury, or after eye surgery. Most floaters are benign and may not require treatment if vision is not significantly affected.

Treatment Options

• Treating the underlying cause — if floaters are due to inflammation, bleeding or retinal issues
• Laser vitreolysis — breaks large floaters into smaller, less noticeable fragments (selected cases only)
• Vitrectomy — the vitreous gel and floaters are removed; highly effective but reserved for severe, vision-disrupting cases

Occurs when blood vessels in the retina become blocked, often causing blurred vision, dark spots or swelling in the eye. RVO is common in people with high blood pressure, diabetes or glaucoma.

Treatment Options

• Anti-VEGF injections — reduce fluid buildup (macular edema) and improve vision
• Steroid injections or implants — decrease swelling and inflammation in some cases
• Laser therapy — treats areas of poor blood flow and prevents abnormal vessel growth
• Managing underlying conditions — controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol is essential to prevent recurrence

The eye’s natural lens shifts out of its normal position — caused by injury, genetics (such as Marfan syndrome) or conditions that weaken the fibres holding the lens in place. Symptoms may include blurry or double vision, seeing “shadows”, glare, or changes in focusing ability.

Treatment Options

• If the lens is only slightly out of place and vision is still clear, glasses or contact lenses may be enough
• If vision is badly affected, surgery may be needed to remove the lens and replace it with an artificial lens (IOL)
• In complex cases, additional procedures such as vitrectomy surgery may be required