Our Retina Services
What is a retina specialist?
A retina specialist is a highly-trained medical doctor (ophthalmologist) and surgeon trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. Learn more about the difference between general ophthalmologists and retina specialists.
What is the retina?
The retina is the sensory membrane that lines most of the large posterior chamber of the vertebrate eye. It is composed of several layers, including one containing the rods and cones, and functions as the immediate instrument of vision by receiving the image formed by the lens and converting it into chemical and nervous signals which reach the brain by way of the optic nerve.
What is the macula?
The macula is a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that constitutes the region of maximum visual acuity and is made up almost wholly of retinal cones.
What is the vitreous?
The vitreous is a clear colorless transparent jelly that fills the eyeball posterior to the lens. It is enclosed by a delicate hyaloid membrane. In adults, it is nearly homogeneous, but in fetuses, it is pervaded by fibers with minute nuclei at their points of junction.
Retinal Conditions We Treat
At North Carolina Retina Associates, we provide diagnostic, medical, and surgical care for a full range of retinal conditions, including:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Central serous retinopathy
- Choroidal nevus
- Cystoid macular edema
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular edema
- Floaters and flashes
- Macular holes
- Macular pucker/epiretinal membranes
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal vein and artery occlusion
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Uveitis
Retinal Diagnostic Tests
Retinal diagnostics requires a full suite of advanced techniques and technologies. Some of the tests we perform include:
- Amsler grid testing
- Fundus photography
- Fluorescein and ICG angiogram
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- B Scan ultrasonography
- Fundus autofluorescence
Learn more about retinal diagnostics and testing.
Treatments for Retina Conditions
All of our retina specialists have extensive experience in treating retinal, macular, and vitreal conditions. Some of the most common treatment options we offer include:
- Intravitreal injections with drugs such as Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin, Jetrea, or steroids
- Retinal laser photocoagulation
- Retinal cryotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Pneumatic retinopexy
- Vitrectomy
- Scleral buckle