Patients: Request Appointment
Call VisionAmerica
Call SouthEast Eye Specialists
Advanced Retina Care from SouthEast Eye Specialists and VisionAmerica
The retina is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It captures light and sends visual signals to the brain, making it essential for clear, detailed vision. When the retina becomes damaged or diseased, vision can be affected dramatically. The current retina page explains that retinal specialists provide comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and advanced treatment using state-of-the-art imaging and proven therapies to protect and preserve vision.
At SouthEast Eye Specialists and VisionAmerica, our retina specialists provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for patients throughout Tennessee and Alabama. We evaluate retinal structure, retinal blood flow, macular health, peripheral retina concerns, and vision changes using detailed diagnostic technology.
Our goal is to detect retinal disease early, manage chronic retinal conditions, and provide timely treatment for urgent retina problems that may threaten long-term vision.
What do our Retina Specialists treat?
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist with advanced training in diseases and conditions affecting the retina, macula, vitreous, and blood vessels in the back of the eye. Patients may be referred to a retina doctor for sudden vision changes, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, retinal tears, retinal detachment, or abnormal retinal imaging.
Retina specialists commonly evaluate and treat:
- Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal tears
- Retinal tears
- Retinal vein occlusion
- Retinal artery occlusion
- Macular edema
- Epiretinal membrane
- Vitreous hemorrhage
- Flashes and floaters
- Inflammatory retinal conditions
- Peripheral retinal disease
Symptoms of Retinal Disease
Retinal disease may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Some retinal conditions do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which makes routine eye exams especially important for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of retinal disease, or age-related risk factors.
Common retina-related symptoms include:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Dark spots or missing areas in vision
- Sudden flashes of light
- New or increased floaters
- A shadow or curtain in the field of vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Loss of central vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Sudden vision loss
- Wavy or distorted straight lines
Retinal Vein & Artery Occlusions
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
A leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50, AMD affects central vision and can make reading, driving, and recognizing faces difficult.
Diabetic Retinopathy
A complication of diabetes that damages retinal blood vessels and can lead to vision loss if not closely monitored and treated.
Retinal Tears & Retinal Detachment
A tear or separation of the retina requires urgent evaluation and treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Epiretinal Membrane
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar tissue that develops on the surface of the retina. These membranes, which often develop after a vitreous separation related to aging, are common and often do not cause any problems.
Retinal Vein & Artery Occlusions
A retinal tear or retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, disrupting its ability to send visual signals to the brain. Symptoms may include sudden flashes of light, new floaters, blurred vision, or a shadow or curtain appearing in your field of vision. These conditions require immediate evaluation by a retinal specialist, as prompt treatment with laser therapy or retinal surgery can prevent permanent vision loss and preserve eyesight.
Macular Edema
Macular edema is swelling of the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It commonly develops as a complication of diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, or inflammatory eye disease. Symptoms may include blurred or distorted central vision. Early diagnosis using advanced retinal imaging and treatment with targeted injections or laser therapy can help reduce swelling and protect long-term visual function.
Comprehensive Retinal Evaluation
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective retinal treatment and long-term vision preservation. Because many retinal diseases develop gradually or without early symptoms, advanced imaging and detailed evaluation are critical for early detection and ongoing monitoring. Our retinal specialists use state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to assess the structure and function of the retina with precision, including:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to capture high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retinal layers
- Wide-field retinal imaging to evaluate the peripheral retina for tears or detachment
- Fundus photography to document and monitor retinal changes over time
- Fluorescein angiography to assess retinal blood flow and detect leaking or blocked vessels
- Ocular ultrasound for evaluating retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage when visibility is limited
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
to capture high-resolution images of retinal layers.
Fundus Photography - Retina
to document and monitor retinal changes over time.
Fluorescein Angiography
to assess retinal blood flow and detect leaking or blocked vessels.
Wide-field Retinal Imaging
to evaluate the peripheral retina for tears or detachment.
Ultrasound Imaging of the Eye
to evaluate retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage when visibility is limited.
Our Retina Team
Our Services
Cataracts
Cornea
Glaucoma
Neurological Eye Conditions
Oculoplastics
Pediatrics
Retina
Get in Touch
We're here to answer your questions and support your referral needs.
Contact Information
Physician Liaison Team
Schedule a Call
Get in Touch
We're here to answer your questions and support your referral needs.
Multiple locations across the Southeast