A retinal artery occlusion (RAO) happens when there is a blockage of blood flow to the retina in the back of the eye. Symptoms include sudden vision loss, distorted vision or blind spots in your vision. Certain health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure increase your risk for having an RAO. If

Retinal vein occlusion is when a vein in your retina is blocked. This causes blurry vision or vision loss. It is treated with medication injections or laser surgery. Taking care of health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure can help prevent this eye condition. If you have any questions about

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) describes a group of eye problems that affect how your eye sees light. There is treatment for RP due to RPE65 genetic defect. Research is ongoing for other forms of RP. See your ophthalmologist to get appropriate genetics testing. People with low vision from RP can learn to

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease in some premature babies. It causes unwanted blood vessels to grow on the baby’s retina. These blood vessels can cause serious eye and vision problems later. An ophthalmologist can look for ROP in premature infants, though it may not be found until

Stargardt disease is an inherited eye disease. It is a form of juvenile macular dystrophy that develops in children, teenagers and young adults. The disease causes blurry central vision, and makes colors appear less bright. While Stargardt disease cannot be treated and cured currently, there are several

A torn retina is when you have a hole or tear in your retina, like a rip in a piece of cloth. This is a serious problem that must be treated right away. Symptoms include seeing a lot of floaters and flashes suddenly, as well as vision loss. It is treated with surgery. If you have any questions about

Usher syndrome is a condition that is inherited from your parents. It causes hearing and vision loss. Vision loss happens because of an associated disease called retinitis pigmentosa. This is when light-sensitive cells in the retina die, causing blindness over time. Treatment can include learning Braille

Vitrectomy is a type of eye surgery to treat certain problems of the retina and vitreous. Some of these problems include diabetic retinopathy, detached retina, macula problems and more. Usually an ophthalmologist does this surgery to remove blood in the vitreous that keeps light from focusing properly

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is when vitreous— which fills the middle of our eyes—doesn’t detach completely from the back of the eye as it should with age. The vitreous then pulls on the macula, which can damage the macula and threaten vision. Symptoms of VMT include distorted/blurry vision, seeing