People with proliferative retinopathy can reduce their risk of blindness by 95 percent with timely treatment and appropriate follow-up care. At this advanced stage, you are at high risk for vision loss. Proliferative retinopathy can develop without symptoms. Retinopathy occurs when fragile, abnormal blood vessels grow and leak into the center of the eye, blurring vision.Macular Degeneration is never caused by “over-using” the eyes.īlood vessels damaged from diabetes can cause vision loss in several ways: The build-up of fluid causes the macula to bulge, distorting vision. It usually occurs when abnormal, new blood vessels grow for unknown reasons, leaking fluid and blood. The “wet” type may cause rapid, severe vision loss. It can be a forerunner of “wet” macular degeneration. Light often plays a role in the development of the “dry” type of macular degeneration, in which cell waste isn’t easily digested, builds up, and swelling occurs. There are two basic types of Macular Degeneration: “dry” and “wet.” Approximately 85% to 90% of the cases of macular degeneration are the “dry” (atrophic) type, while 10-15% are the “wet” (exudative) type. Macular Degeneration usually affects both eyes and can be either gradual or abrupt. The macula is the area of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision and color. Since this disease happens as a person ages, it is often called age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). It occurs when the small central portion of the retina, known as the macula, wears down. A retina specialist is someone who chooses to pursue an additional 1-2 years of fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases.Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in people over the age of 65. Upon completion of the internship, an ophthalmologist continues with 3 years in an ophthalmology residency where they learn to treat all eye diseases and disorders, both medically and surgically. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.Īn ophthalmologist is a doctor who has graduated from medical school and continues an internship in a variety of different specialties. If you have an upcoming appointment, but feel sick or feel that you may have had a recent COVID exposure, please call and we will assess the situation. We will provide hand sanitizer for patient use We will space chairs and limit the number of people in our waiting room We will disinfect surfaces and equipment before each patientĪir purifiers will be running in patient rooms We can provide surgical masks if neededĭoctors and staff will also wear masks at all times Masks covering your mouth and nose are still required at all times for patients and any guests, regardless of vaccination status. For now, you can expect the following safety protocols: We are aware of the most recent CDC guidelines and when Tippecanoe county becomes low-risk, we will re-evaluate our policy. We know that no one likes these measures, but they have allowed us to take care of many at-risk patients without a single case of COVID transmission. If you have a problem requiring immediate assistance and cannot get through, we suggest contacting your local optometrist or ophthalmologist.Īs a medical facility serving an at-risk patient population, we will follow protocols to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Staff will be available to answer phones and triage problems during this time. Our office will be closed in observance of the following days:Īmerican Academy of Ophthalmology Meeting: September 30

Retina center