Retinal Diseases We Treat
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Macular Conditions & Vitreomacular Interface
Changes at the macula or where the eye’s gel (vitreous) meets the retina can blur or distort vision.
Natural separation of the gel from the retina, often with new floaters or brief light flashes.
Persistent traction or tissue on the macula can cause waviness, blur, or a hole in central vision.
- Vitreomacular adhesion and traction (tugging on the macula)
- Epiretinal membrane (macular pucker) causing wrinkling
- Macular holes (lamellar or full-thickness, each with different severity and treatment needs)
Fluid collects under the macula, often causing a dim or gray spot and distortion.
Tiny fluid-filled spaces in the macula from surgery, inflammation, diabetes, or vein occlusion.
A subtype of macular neovascular disease with polyp-like vessels that may leak or bleed.
Small abnormal vessels near the macula that gradually blur or distort vision.
Peripheral Retina Conditions
Changes at the retinal edges can raise the risk of tears or detachment and may need monitoring or treatment.
Age-related thinning patterns that your doctor tracks during dilated exams.
- Lattice degeneration
- Paving-stone degeneration
- White-without-pressure and snail-track degeneration
- Peripheral cystoid degeneration
Small openings from thinning or trauma that sometimes need sealing treatment.
- Atrophic holes and operculated holes
- Retinal dialysis along the retinal edge
Splitting of retinal layers in the periphery; often stable but can resemble a detachment.
Inherited Retinal Dystrophies (IRDs)
Genetic disorders affecting photoreceptors or the retinal pigment epithelium; symptoms may include night blindness, field loss, or central blur.
Conditions that first affect night and side vision, then central vision.
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Usher and Bardet-Biedl syndromes
Severe inherited conditions that begin in infancy or childhood.
- Leber congenital amaurosis
Conditions primarily affecting detailed central vision.
- Stargardt disease
- Best vitelliform dystrophy
- Pattern dystrophies
- North Carolina macular dystrophy
Conditions affecting color and fine detail, sometimes followed by night-vision problems.
- Cone dystrophy
- Cone-rod dystrophy
- Achromatopsia and blue-cone monochromacy (stationary cone dysfunction syndromes, distinct from progressive dystrophies)
Pediatric & Developmental Retina Conditions
Children may develop unique retinal problems that need early diagnosis to support healthy visual development.
Abnormal vessel growth in premature infants that can lead to scarring or detachment.
Disorders affecting retinal vessel growth or structure.
- Coats’ disease and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR)
- Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV)
- X-linked juvenile retinoschisis
Choroidal & RPE Disorders
Problems beneath the retina or in the pigment layer can dim or distort vision and sometimes lead to fluid buildup.
Fluid under the retina or RPE, sometimes linked to stress or steroid use.
Abnormal vessels associated with high myopia, inflammation, or dystrophies.
Breaks in the pigment layer that can follow sudden shifts in subretinal fluid.
Tumors & Lesions
Some are benign and monitored; others need treatment by specialists.
Common findings that usually need periodic imaging and exams.
- Choroidal nevus
- Astrocytic hamartoma
- Retinal capillary hemangioma and choroidal hemangioma
- Optic-disc melanocytoma
Require prompt diagnosis and a coordinated treatment plan.
- Choroidal (uveal) melanoma
- Retinoblastoma (in children)
- Metastatic tumors to the choroid
Medication-Related & Other Causes
Certain medicines and exposures can affect the retina; regular screening helps detect early changes.
Discuss risks and screening intervals with your doctor.
- Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) retinopathy
- Tamoxifen retinopathy
- Thioridazine retinopathy
Whole-body conditions that appear in the retina and affect vision.
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Retinal artery macroaneurysm
- Macular telangiectasia
- Sickle-cell retinopathy
Injuries or procedures can cause bleeding, swelling, or structural changes.
- Vitreous hemorrhage (from trauma, vascular disease, or surgery)
- Commotio retinae and choroidal rupture
- Macular edema after surgery
About Our Practice
Board-certified, fellowship-trained retina specialists delivering comprehensive care across Northern New Jersey, with 750+ five-star reviews and convenient offices in Ridgewood, Belleville, and Jersey City.