Damage in the blood vessels nourishing your retina can lead to retinal vascular disease, a vision-threatening group of conditions that require immediate treatment. When you have a retinal disease, you need a retina specialist. That’s where InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., and ophthalmologist Dennis O’Connell, DO, can step in to help. With his extensive experience focusing on retinal problems, he can promptly diagnose and treat any kind of disease or issue. There are offices in Aurora and Denver, Colorado, so call the one nearest you or click the online booking tool now.
Retinal vascular disease refers to a group of diseases that occur within the blood vessels in your eyes. If untreated, these diseases can cause severe damage in your eyes, eventually leading to vision loss.
Most people with retinal vascular disease have underlying medical issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
There are several common retinal vascular diseases, including:
Diabetic retinopathy occurs in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Because of high blood sugar, the blood vessels of your retina can close off. This disrupts blood supply and causes severe retina damage. Late-stage diabetic retinopathy can lead to retinal detachment and other severe eye problems.
Hypertensive retinopathy is a retinal vascular disease that can occur with high blood pressure. Prolonged high blood pressure can cause blood vessel narrowing, leaking, and hardening. This triggers retina swelling, which in turn pressures your optic nerve and can disrupt your vision.
Retinal vein occlusion occurs when a vein narrows so much that it prevents blood movement. When it occurs in the retinal vein at your optic nerve, it's central retinal vein occlusion. When the blockage happens at a retinal nerve branch, it's branch retinal vein occlusion.
Vein blockage can lead to hemorrhage, which can in turn lead to vision loss.
In all cases, retinal vascular disease is serious. If you have possible symptoms of a retinal vascular disease, call InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., immediately for help.
Retinal vascular disease symptoms can include:
These are only some of the most common symptoms of retinal vascular disease. If you have any significant changes in your vision or sudden eye pain, those symptoms warrant an eye exam as soon as possible.
Dr. O'Connell sees patients with possible retinal vascular disease on an urgent care basis. He performs a comprehensive eye exam using state-of-the-art imaging technology to find the cause of your symptoms, and then recommends the best treatment course. In many cases, Dr. O'Connell can perform procedures and even surgeries in the office.
Book your appointment by calling the InSight Retina Consultants, P.C., office or click on the online scheduling tool now.
