What Are the Five Most Common Diseases That Affect the Retina?

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, commonly called AMD, affects the macula—the central portion of the retina responsible for detailed vision. AMD is most common in adults over age 50.

There are two primary forms:

• Dry AMD: The more common form, which usually progresses gradually as the macula becomes thinner and small deposits called drusen develop.
• Wet AMD: A less common but more serious form caused by abnormal blood vessels growing beneath the retina. These vessels can leak blood or fluid and cause rapid central vision loss.

Common symptoms include:

• Blurry central vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy
• Difficulty recognizing faces
• A dark or empty area in the center of vision
• Needing brighter light when reading

Treatment depends on the type and stage of AMD. Certain patients with dry AMD may benefit from specific nutritional supplements. Wet AMD is commonly treated with injections that help control abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. It can affect people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and may develop without symptoms during its early stages.

As the condition progresses, damaged retinal blood vessels may leak fluid or blood. New, fragile blood vessels may also grow on the retina and cause serious complications.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry or fluctuating vision
• Dark spots or floaters
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Faded colors
• Partial or complete vision loss

Diabetic macular edema can develop when leaking blood vessels cause swelling in the macula. Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment may involve eye injections, laser treatment, or retinal surgery.

Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help reduce the risk of diabetic eye complications. People with diabetes should receive regular dilated retinal examinations, even when their vision appears normal.

3. Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment

A retinal tear occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls on the retina strongly enough to create an opening. Fluid can then pass through the tear and collect behind the retina, causing it to separate from the eye wall. This is known as a retinal detachment.

Warning signs can include:

• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light
• A dark shadow in the side of the vision
• A curtain or veil moving across the vision

A retinal tear can often be sealed with an in-office laser procedure when detected early. A retinal detachment usually requires surgical repair.

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. Anyone experiencing sudden flashes, new floaters, or a curtain-like shadow should contact a retina specialist immediately. Delayed treatment can lead to permanent vision loss.

4. Retinal Vein Occlusion

A retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked. The blockage can cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina, resulting in swelling and vision loss.

The two main types are:

• Branch retinal vein occlusion: A blockage affecting one of the smaller retinal veins
• Central retinal vein occlusion: A blockage affecting the retina’s main vein

Symptoms commonly include sudden, painless blurry vision or vision loss in one eye. Some patients develop macular edema, which occurs when fluid accumulates in the center of the retina.

Treatment may include eye injections to reduce swelling and control abnormal blood vessel growth. Laser treatment may be recommended in certain cases. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and vascular disease can increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion.

5. Macular Pucker

A macular pucker, also called an epiretinal membrane, develops when a thin layer of scar-like tissue forms over the macula. As this membrane contracts, it can wrinkle or distort the underlying retina.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurry central vision
• Straight lines appearing bent or wavy
• Difficulty reading small print
• Objects appearing larger or smaller in one eye
• Double vision in one eye

Mild cases may only require regular monitoring. When distortion or blurry vision significantly interferes with everyday activities, retinal surgery may be recommended to remove the membrane.