What is Retinal Disease?

Floaters and Flashes Video

The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the back of the eye. It contains millions of specialised cells that detect light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed into the images you see.

Retinal disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the retina and can lead to impaired vision or, in severe cases, permanent vision loss. Different parts of the retina are responsible for different aspects of vision. Diseases affecting the outer (peripheral) retina can reduce side vision, while conditions involving the central retina (the macula and fovea) can affect detailed central vision needed for reading, driving, and recognising faces.

Retinal diseases may develop due to ageing, diabetes, inherited conditions, eye injuries, or other medical disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserve vision and prevent further damage.

Symptoms

Symptoms of retinal disease may include:

Blurred vision
Distorted or wavy vision
Flashes of light
Floaters (small spots, specks, or cobweb-like shadows drifting across your vision)
A dark curtain or shadow moving across your field of vision, which may indicate a retinal detachment

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially a sudden increase in floaters, flashes, or a curtain-like loss of vision, seek urgent ophthalmic assessment.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive retinal examination is performed using specialised instruments to assess both the central and peripheral retina. Depending on your condition, additional investigations may include:

Ultra-widefield retinal photography to document retinal abnormalities
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the retina
Ocular ultrasound to evaluate the retina when the view is obscured
Fluorescein or indocyanine green angiography to assess retinal blood vessels and blood flow

These tests help determine the type, extent, and severity of retinal disease, allowing your ophthalmologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying retinal condition and its severity. The goals of treatment are to slow or stop disease progression, preserve vision, improve visual function where possible, and reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Treatment options may include:

Retinal laser therapy
Intravitreal injections
Photo-biomodulation therapy (Valeda® Light Delivery System), where appropriate
Vitreoretinal surgery

Your ophthalmologist will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your diagnosis and visual needs.