Retina Services: Protecting Your Central Vision
Retina Specialist in Illinois & Iowa
Your Retina: The “Film” in Your Eye’s Camera
Think of your eye like a camera. Light enters through the front and focuses on the retina—a thin layer of tissue lining the back of your eye. Just like film in a camera, your retina captures images and sends them to your brain so you can see.
When your retina has problems, your vision suffers. The good news? Many retinal conditions can be treated successfully when caught early.
Diabetic Eye Care with Eye Surgeons Associates
Diabetes can significantly impact your eye health, and one of the most common and serious complications is diabetic eye disease. At Eye Surgeons Associates, we provide expert care for patients facing diabetic eye conditions such as retinopathy and macular edema. These conditions can develop silently and lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early. That’s why ongoing eye care is essential for anyone living with diabetes. Learn more about Diabetic Eye Disease, symptoms and treatment.
Age-related Macular Degeneration treated at Eye Surgeons Associates
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease and a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. At Eye Surgeons Associates our team of doctors led by our retina specialist provides advanced diagnostic care and treatment options for patients affected by this condition. With timely evaluation and a personalized care plan, many patients can maintain functional vision and improve their quality of life.
Risk Factors You Should Know
Factors you can’t control:
- Age (biggest risk factor)
- Family history
- Being Caucasian
Factors you can control:
- Smoking (quit now!)
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Poor diet
If you have any of these risk factors or have been diagnosed with AMD, learn more about this disease and the expert care provided at ESA to preserve your vision.
Understanding Retinal Emergencies
Retinal Detachment: A True Emergency
A retinal detachment is like wallpaper peeling off a wall. When your retina separates from the back of your eye, you lose vision in that area—and it can spread quickly.
Our Retina Specialist also sees patients for:
- Macular puckers
- Macular holes
- Secondary intraocular lens placement
- Choroidal nevus
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal artery/vein occlusion
- Uveitis
Dr. Kirk, retina specialist, shares the three-stage progression of a detachment
The Three-Stage Process
1. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (common and usually harmless)
- The gel inside your eye shrinks with age
- Creates floaters in 60% of people over 60
- Usually, no treatment needed
2. Retinal Tear (needs immediate treatment)
- The shrinking gel can tear your retina
- Appears as flashing lights in your vision
3. Retinal Detachment (requires surgery)
- Fluid gets behind the tear
- Appears as a dark curtain over your vision
- This is a true emergency
Emergency Warning Signs
Call us immediately if you experience:
- Sudden increase in floaters
- Flashing lights (like camera flashes from the side)
- Dark curtain or shadow in your vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
Don’t wait—hours matter! Early treatment can save your vision.
Who’s at Higher Risk?
- High nearsightedness
- Family history of retinal detachment
- Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
- After cataract surgery (1-2% risk)
- Eye injury
- Thin retina (lattice degeneration)
Your Retinal Health Action Plan
If You Have Diabetes:
- Annual dilated eye exams (minimum)
- Immediate evaluation for any vision changes
- Blood sugar control is your best protection
If You’re Over 60:
- Regular eye exams to check for AMD
- Daily Amsler grid monitoring at home
- AREDS vitamins if recommended
Everyone Should Know:
- Emergency warning signs of retinal detachment
- When to call immediately vs. when to schedule routine care
- Risk factors that apply to you
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late