Retina & Macula Diseases

What are the retina and macula

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that converts light into a visual signal. The macula is the central area with the highest sharpness, where we focus for reading, recognising faces and the fine detail needed for driving.

Conditions affecting the macula or the rest of the retina can present with reduced acuity, distortion of straight lines (metamorphopsia), central blurring, shadows in the visual field, or marked floaters and flashes; the clinical picture is individual and cannot be reliably "read" without an examination.

The first approach often starts with a comprehensive eye examination (check-up), so that refraction, the optical media and pressure (where indicated) can be assessed, and a plan made for whether specialised imaging or treatment is needed.

The peripheral retina contributes to overall visual field; damage there may not immediately affect central acuity in early stages, which is why combined assessment with clinical examination and, where indicated, OCT and OCTA helps ensure silent developments are not missed.

Main conditions covered by this care

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is common in older age, occurring in dry and wet forms with different monitoring and treatment needs. For selected stages of dry AMD, Valeda (PBM) treatment may be discussed; the wet form and many other vascular conditions are often treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections when indicated.

Diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusions require close coordination with your general health (blood sugar, blood pressure, lipids) and an individualised monitoring schedule. In selected cases, argon laser photocoagulation is part of the treatment plan alongside other interventions.

Macular hole and retinal detachment are conditions that may require urgent assessment or surgical treatment; care is organised on a case-by-case basis and does not replace immediate contact when concerning symptoms appear.

In diabetic retinopathy, severity ranges from microaneurysms to macular oedema and pre-proliferative ischaemia; the monitoring schedule is linked to the stage and stable blood sugar control, following international protocols and the ophthalmologist's individual judgement.

Imaging: OCT, fundus photography, angiography

Retinal OCT and OCTA allows detailed, contact-free assessment of structures and vascular patterns, often central to the diagnosis and monitoring of AMD, oedema and other lesions.

Digital fundus photography records the surface image and helps with monitoring over time; fluorescein angiography (FA) is used selectively when more detailed vascular information is needed, according to clinical judgement.

No single test on its own replaces the overall clinical assessment; the options are combined to reduce delays in starting treatment where this is necessary.

Comparing OCT scans on different dates helps detect progression or a stable stage and adjust the interval between visits; digital fundus photography supplements the picture when broader-field documentation of findings is needed.

Symptoms that should not be ignored

A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light like lightning, or a shadow sensation can be linked to a tear or detachment and require rapid ophthalmological assessment.

Distortion of straight lines or gradual central blurring can reflect macular changes; delaying the visit reduces the chance of early intervention when this is available.

• New or worsening symptoms in one or both eyes
• Loss of part of the visual field or sudden reduction in acuity
• Pain together with visual changes (rarer for retinal conditions, but requires distinction from other causes)

The doctor will advise whether an urgent visit or a scheduled examination is needed — do not self-diagnose based only on general website descriptions.

Self-assessment by covering one eye or simple home tests does not replace fundus examination or imaging; they are used as a supplement once correctly taught at the practice.

Monitoring, prevention and next steps

For people with diabetes, a family history of AMD or known vascular disease, regular examination often shortens the interval between visits compared with the general population; the exact schedule is set individually.

Using an Amsler grid or similar tools can help with early detection of changes in central vision, without replacing clinical examination and imaging.

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