What Does a Retina Specialist Do? When You Need One and What to Expect

Quick answer: A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist with one to two extra years of fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, the back of the eye. Retina specialists treat macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes, retinal vein occlusions, and complications after cataract surgery. They offer in-office eye injections, laser treatment, and surgery. You're usually referred to one when your eye doctor sees something in the back of the eye that needs specialized testing or treatment.

How is a retina specialist different from other eye doctors?

There are three kinds of eye care professionals:

According to the American Society of Retina Specialists, retina specialists complete up to 10 years of medical training after college. Dr. Pooja Garg completed ophthalmology residency at William Beaumont Hospital and a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and diseases of the retina at Northwestern University.

What conditions do retina specialists treat?

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), both wet and dry, including geographic atrophy
• Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
• Retinal tears and detachments
• Flashes and floaters, including posterior vitreous detachment
• Macular holes and epiretinal membranes (macular pucker)
• Retinal vein and artery occlusions, sometimes called eye strokes
• Central serous chorioretinopathy
• Dislocated lens implants after cataract surgery
• Medication screening, such as for hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
• Inflammation and infection inside the eye

Why was I referred to a retina specialist?

Common reasons include:

• Your eye doctor saw drusen, bleeding, swelling, or a tear on your retina
• You have diabetes and changes showed up on your eye exam
• You suddenly noticed new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision
• Straight lines look wavy or your central vision is blurry
• You had cataract surgery and your vision got worse instead of better

A referral doesn't automatically mean something serious. It means your eye doctor wants a specialist to take a closer look with the right equipment.

What happens at the first visit?

Plan for one to three hours. Retina visits involve more testing than a routine eye exam.

1. Vision check and eye pressure.
2. Dilation. Drops widen your pupils so the doctor can see the full retina. Your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for several hours, so bring a driver.
3. Imaging. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) takes cross-section scans of the retina in seconds, without contact. You may also have retinal photos or fluorescein angiography, where a dye shows blood flow.
4. Exam. Dr. Garg examines the retina directly and reviews your images with you.
5. Plan. You'll leave knowing your diagnosis and next steps. Some treatments, like injections, may happen the same day.

What should I bring?

• Your referral and any records from your eye doctor
• A list of medications, especially blood thinners and diabetes medications
• Your glasses and insurance card
• A driver, and sunglasses for the ride home

When should I call right away instead of waiting?

Call a retina specialist the same day for a sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, a curtain or shadow over part of your vision, or a sudden drop in central vision. These can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is time-sensitive. Read Flashes and Floaters: When to Worry.