{"id":76,"date":"2021-07-27T16:01:49","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T20:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peposevision.com\/?page_id=76"},"modified":"2023-09-21T16:14:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T20:14:40","slug":"retina-specialist-st-louis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/peposevision.com\/retina-specialist-st-louis\/","title":{"rendered":"Retina Treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Macular Degeneration<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Diabetic Retinopathy<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The retina is a thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of your eye, containing millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. Your retina sends this information to the brain through your optic nerve, enabling you to see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retinal diseases can affect the area of the retina that serves your central vision (the macula and the fovea at the center of the macula). Many retinal diseases share common symptoms and treatments, but each has unique characteristics. The goal of retinal disease treatments is to stop or slow disease progression and preserve, improve or restore vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pepose Vision is a retina specialist and a leader nationwide in the research, diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How do I know if I have a retinal disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Retinal disorders may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, floaters (usually fine objects that appear as debris obscuring the visual image), and flashes of light. However, many conditions affecting the retina do not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but may lead to irreversible and sometimes severe loss of vision. Symptoms may indicate a disorder limited to the eye or may be related to a systemic condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (\u201cnarrowing of the arteries\u201d), autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, blood infections, and certain types of cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have diabetes or certain other medical or eye conditions, your primary medical doctor or comprehensive ophthalmologist can help you to determine when and how often to see a retina specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diagnosis and monitoring of retinal diseases requires a complete eye examination where the pupils are dilated with eye drops. You may experience a temporary change in vision and sensitivity to light, so you may wish to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear after the visit. One or more tests may need to be performed to help your treating physician assess the retina and macula (the central portion of the retina).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retina conditions Pepose Vision treats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Treating retina conditions is a very specialized practice within the field of opthalmology.  Pepose Vision is proud to be a leader in retinal services, and treats patients with a wide variety retinal conditions including the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., affecting individuals 50 years of age or older. As the baby boomers age, the disease is becoming a significant problem. The disease affects the part of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Even though macular degeneration can cause visual impairment, the disease usually does not cause peripheral vision loss or lead to total blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Macular Degeneration<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The two common types of macular degeneration are \u201cdry\u201d and \u201cwet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDry\u201d form \u2013 the most common form of macular degeneration is caused by aging and thinning of the tissues in the macula. It develops slowly and usually causes mild vision loss. As this form of the disease develops, people often notice a dimming of vision while reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWet\u201d form \u2013 rare, and more severe. Wet AMD is less common than dry AMD, but with the potential to create a large blind spot in the center of the visual field. Wet AMD can progress rapidly, potentially leading to legal blindness.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The causes of macular degeneration are not completely understood, but there is a strong hereditary component. Genetic testing is available at the Pepose Vision Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n