Welcome to a three-part series about the aging eye. Specifically, we will address three common conditions that tend to develop as one gets older. These are not conditions that a simple pair of glasses or cataract surgery will fix. These are diseases and conditions that affect the back of the eye, or retina. They are best evaluated by a retinal specialist.

A posterior vitreous detachment is a common occurrence as one ages. In fact, one can be found in the majority of people over 70 years of age. The vitreous is the “jelly” that fills the eyeball. When we are born, it is “attached” to the back wall of the eye, or retina. As we age, the jelly “liquefies,” and separates itself from the retina. When the vitreous separates, one may notice a floater or floaters. These floaters are generally larger, thicker, and more noticeable than everyday floaters that many notice when looking at a fluorescent light, for example.

Flashes of light are another symptom that can occur when a vitreous detachment occurs. These flashes are caused from the “pulling” of the gel on the retina, as it separates.

Though vitreous detachments are common, they deserve attention because they can be the precursor to retinal tears or “rips.” In some people, the “pulling” of gel from the retina can lead a tear to form. If untreated, retinal tears can lead to the development of retinal detachments.

A retinal specialist is specifically trained to evaluate the back of the eye for tears or rips, and can treat them if they exist. If you experience any of the above symptoms, ask to see a specialist today.

Saralyn Notaro Rietz MD is an ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina and vitreous and can be reached at 716-839-9009

Next week’s topic……Macular Degeneration

This week’s Aging Eye topic is Macular Degeneration. Macular Degeneration is a disease that affects millions of people. It is the largest cause of visual loss in those over 50 in the western world.

Simply put, macular degeneration means that the center part (macula) of the back of the eye is getting old. The degenerative process can present with a number of abnormal findings, all of which can be detected by a retinal specialist. Visual loss from these abnormalities can range from very mild to extremely severe.

In general, there are two varieties of macular degeneration. These are referred to as WET and DRY degeneration. Dry disease is more prevalent and may take on many forms. Vision may range from very good to very poor. To date, there is no proven treatment for dry degeneration, but consistent follow up is needed to measure disease progression and to observe for conversion to wet disease.

Wet macular degeneration is the second major variety of disease. It is far less common that its dry counterpart, but generally felt to have a more significant effect on visual acuity. By labeling the disease as “wet,” it is implied that abnormal blood or fluid has seeped into the back of the eye. Once incurable, there have been many recent advances in the treatment of this disease. Many folks are now able to save, and in many cases improve vision that has been affected by wet macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration tends to run in families (but not always), and is somewhat more common in fair skinned and light eyed individuals. Other possible risk factors include cigarette smoking, hypertension, obesity, high cholesterol and heavy alcohol consumption.

As macular degeneration develops, one might notice blurred vision, wavy vision, or blank spots in vision. Of course, these could be symptoms of other retinal conditions as well. A retina specialist can fully evaluate the back of the eye, and can diagnose and offer treatment recommendations as well. If you experience any of the above visual abnormalities, or have a family history of macular degeneration, see a retinal specialist.

Saralyn Notaro Rietz MD is an ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina and vitreous. She may be reached at 716-839-9009

Next week’s topic……Diabetic Eye Disease
Diabetic Retinopathy is not a disease of the aged, per se, but generally occurs in those with diabetes mellitus with increased duration of disease.

Diabetes affects blood vessels throughout the body, and the back of the eye is no exception. Generally speaking, blood vessels become leaky. In some situations, blood vessels can close, thereby robbing the back of the eye of adequate blood and oxygen supply.

Leaky blood vessels can deposit blood, fluid and protein in to the back of the eye. When this happens in the center of the eye, reading vision can become blurred and distorted. More advanced disease can bring large hemorrhage which can blur the entire eye for long periods of time. Even more serious is the possible development of retinal detachment.

It is strongly recommended that diabetics have regularly scheduled examinations. Retina specialists are uniquely qualified to diagnose, treat and make recommendations about all aspects of diabetic eye disease.

Saralyn Notaro Rietz MD is an ophthalmologist specializing in diseases of the retina and vitreous, and may be reached at 716-839-9009.

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