Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein is an expert in diagnosing and treating retinal disorders. With years of experience treating patients in the Upper West Side, Dr. Schottenstein knows how to provide high-quality ophthalmologic care in a convenient, comfortable environment. Dr. Schottenstein will work with you to develop a treatment plan that perfectly fits your needs – whatever they may be.
There are a number of conditions that can affect the retina, all of which Dr. Schottenstein can diagnose and treat. For more detailed information on retinal disorders and how they affect vision, watch the videos below.
Retinal detachment is a very serious condition that can cause severe or permanent vision loss, occurring when the retina is separated from the underlying supportive tissues. Symptoms include:
Retinal detachment is not painful, but if you notice any of the above symptoms or believe you’re suffering from a detached retina, call us immediately. Immediate ophthalmologic care is vital for preventing any permanent vision loss.
‘Floaters’ are experienced as small, translucent specks that move in and out of your vision – they’re usually most noticeable against a plain, white background. Floaters are actually tiny clumps of cells suspended in the vitreous humor (clear fluid filling the inside of the eye) and can be seen in a variety of shapes.
Macular holes are tears or cysts that develop in the macula – a small spot in the retina. Macular holes usually cause a sudden decrease in vision in one eye and are usually related to the aging process. While macular holes can heal without treatment, we recommend you see Dr. Schottenstein immediately if you experience a sudden decrease in vision in one eye so he can diagnose the issue and determine any necessary treatment.
Macular holes are treated through a surgery called vitrectomy, which consists of the following steps:
This surgery requires a long recovery time for guaranteed effectiveness – call our office if you would like more information.
Diabetes can cause an increased risk for a number of diabetic eye diseases, including Diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that damages the blood vessels fueling the eyes – both Type I and Type II diabetes can be affected, and generally it impacts both eyes. Diabetic retinopathy has four stages in a progression of severity:
Unfortunately, the early stages of diabetic retinopathy produce no symptoms. If you have blurred vision of “floating” spots, contact us as soon as possible, and read up more about diabetic eye care.
Careful management of blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol can help to control diabetic retinopathy and prevent vision loss. If diabetic retinopathy is severe, it is possible to shrink the fragile blood vessels through laser treatments, which can preserve remaining sight.
If you have more questions about retinal disorders or your vision, we’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us at our New York City office, or request an appointment using our easy online form. We can’t wait to hear from you!