Observation and monitoring
Stable findings may be followed with examination and imaging when immediate intervention is unlikely to help.
Retina care
Retina specialist & vitreoretinal surgery
Specialist assessment for medical and surgical conditions affecting the retina, macula and vitreous.
Sudden retinal symptoms need urgent examination
A sudden shower of floaters, flashes, a curtain or shadow, sudden loss of vision, severe pain or eye injury should not wait for an online reply. Seek urgent in-person eye care or emergency services.
Understanding the concern
A clear diagnosis comes before a treatment plan
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The macula provides detailed central vision, while the vitreous is the clear gel filling the eye. Disease or traction in these structures can cause distortion, floaters, bleeding or loss of vision.
Some retinal problems are monitored or treated with injections or laser. Others require surgery. The first priority is an accurate diagnosis and a clear explanation of urgency, options and expected limitations.
What patients notice
When retina assessment may be appropriate
These features can overlap with other eye conditions. Examination is needed to establish the cause.
- Sudden or progressive loss of vision
- New flashes, floaters, a shadow or curtain
- Distorted or missing central vision
- Diabetes with retinal changes or macular swelling
- Vitreous haemorrhage or unexplained haze
- A diagnosis of macular hole, epiretinal membrane or retinal detachment
Specialist assessment
What the consultation may involve
Retinal assessment combines a careful symptom history with examination of the peripheral retina and detailed imaging of the macula when needed.
01
Dilated retinal examination
A wide view of the retina helps identify tears, detachment, bleeding, vascular disease and peripheral retinal changes.
02
OCT and retinal imaging
Cross-sectional scans and photographs can document macular swelling, holes, membranes and treatment response.
03
Ultrasound and angiographic tests
These may be used when the retina cannot be seen clearly or when blood flow and leakage need further evaluation.
Treatment planning
Retina treatment pathways
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, location and severity, the duration of symptoms and the health of the eye.
Intravitreal injections
Medicines placed inside the eye are used for selected macular and retinal vascular conditions, often as a course rather than a single visit.
Retinal laser or cryotherapy
Laser or freezing treatment can be used in selected retinal tears and retinal vascular disease.
Vitrectomy and retinal surgery
Surgery may be recommended for retinal detachment, non-clearing haemorrhage, macular hole, epiretinal membrane or traction from advanced diabetic disease.
From first assessment to follow-up
- 01Establish symptom onset and urgency
- 02Dilated retinal examination and focused imaging
- 03Explain the diagnosis, alternatives and limits of treatment
- 04Arrange monitoring, injection, laser or surgery as appropriate
- 05Follow healing and retinal structure over time
Vitreoretinal expertise
At a glance
- Fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery
- Small-gauge vitrectomy
- Retinal detachment and macular surgery
Specialist care for retinal and vitreous conditions
Prof. Amer Awan is fellowship-trained in vitreoretinal surgery, with clinical work spanning retinal detachment, macular conditions, diabetic retinal disease and small-gauge vitrectomy. Suitability and likely benefit depend on the diagnosis and examination.
Related surgical video
Heavy Oil Removal After Retinal Detachment Surgery
From Prof. Amer Awan's official YouTube channel. This professional video contains surgical footage.
Questions patients ask
About Retina surgery
Does every retinal condition require surgery?
No. Some conditions are observed, some are treated with injections or laser, and some need surgery. The diagnosis and effect on vision determine the pathway.
What is vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy is an operation that removes vitreous gel so the surgeon can treat structures at the back of the eye. The details vary substantially by condition.
Are flashes and floaters always an emergency?
Many have non-dangerous causes, but a sudden increase can accompany a retinal tear or detachment. An urgent dilated examination is the safe way to distinguish them.
Continue reading
Related eye-care pathways
Retinal detachmentRecognise urgent warning signs and treatment pathways.Diabetic eye diseaseScreening and care for diabetes-related retinal disease.Macular holeCentral distortion, OCT diagnosis and surgery considerations.
General information sources: Prof. Amer Awan - current public profile; National Eye Institute - Eye health information.