Retinal disorders include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. Early detection of macular degeneration is important since some cases may be handled well with laser treatments. Diabetic retinopathy, one of the possible problems of diabetes, occurs when the small blood vessels that feed the retina fail to do so properly. In the early stages of the condition, the blood vessels may leak fluid, which distorts vision. In the later stages, new vessels may grow and release blood in the center of the eye, resulting in serious loss of vision.
Retinal detachment is a separation between the inner and outer layers of the retina.
Detached retinas can usually be surgically reattached with good or partial renewal of vision. New surgical and laser treatments are being used today with increasing success. Many people with visual impairments can be helped by using low-vision aids. These are special devices that provide more power than regular eyeglasses. Partially sighted individuals often notice surprising improvements with the use of these aids.