Retinal Services
Our retinal specialists are proud to offer state-of-the-art retinal care for the patients of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana. Our specialists diagnose and treat a variety of diseases including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, retinal tears and detachments, and inflammatory eye conditions using the most advanced techniques and diagnostic testing available. We offer laser treatment for a variety of retinal conditions and a full range of injection services, including all FDA-approved intraocular injectables. Retinal care is offered at our St. Joseph, Niles, and Mishawaka offices.
Diabetic Retinopathy
High blood sugar levels can affect your retina and macula, leading to vision loss. In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy often has no symptoms. But as it worsens, ocular damage from diabetes can lead to vision loss. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy may include medication, eye injections or surgery. It is important to see your ophthalmologist regularly to check for damage from diabetic retinopathy.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) happens when a part of the retina, called the macula, is damaged. With AMD, you lose your central vision and it becomes difficult to see fine details. It is important to monitor macular degeneration closely to ensure progression does not occur.
Uveitis
Uveitis occurs when the middle layer of the eyeball becomes inflamed. This layer, called the uvea, has many blood vessels that nourish the eye. Uveitis can damage these blood vessels, leading to vision loss. Uveitis needs to be treated right away to prevent lasting problems. Ophthalmologists often treat uveitis with eyedrops that reduce inflammation. They may also use an eye drop to widen (dilate) the pupil, which helps reduce pain and swelling. Sometimes medicine may need to be given by injection or taken by mouth. Oftentimes, your ophthalmologist will work with a special kind of doctor called a rheumatologist to help treat you.
Retinal Lasers and Surgery
Great Lakes Eye Care offers a variety of retinal surgeries, including macular holes, macular puckers (wrinkles), vitrectomy and retinal detachments. Retinal lasers are also sometimes recommended for diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and vein occlusions.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachments are an urgent ocular condition that generally require surgery.ย Dr. Benjamin Nicholsonย is pleased to offer this service to patients in need.
Warning signs of a retinal detachment:
- A shower of floaters (dark spots)
- A sudden onset of lightening type flashes of light
- A dark curtain progressing in the peripheral vision
The last symptom is especially worrisome. However, all the symptoms are important. If any of these occur, please call our office immediately and the answering machine will give you the number to call to contact the on-call doctor. 1-800-424-2393
Vitrectomy
In front of the retina, the inside of the eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous gel. During a vitrectomy, your doctor surgically removes this vitreous gel from inside the eye to provide better access to the retina. The doctor can then clear blood, remove scar tissue, and repair retinal tears, holes, or detachments through a variety of procedures.
When is a vitrectomy done?
Your ophthalmologist may recommend a vitrectomy if you have one of these diseases or conditions:
- Diabetic Retinopathy with bleeding or scar tissue affecting the retina or vitreous gel
- Some forms of retinal detachment (when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye)
- Macular hole (a hole or tear in the macula)
- Macular pucker (wrinkles or creases in the macula)
- An infection on the eye called endophthalmitis
- Severe eye injury