This is a posterior vitreous detachment that occurs when the vitreous jelly contracts inside the eye. The leading cause of floaters.

Drusen are yellow lipid deposits that form in Bruch’s membrane in the retina. They are often a finding/precursor to macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is premature aging of the central retina. It causes decreased central vision and is a common cause of vision loss.

Hard exudates are yellow spots seen in the retina. They are lipid deposits left behind after swelling (such as from diabetic retinopathy).

Macular edema, premature cataracts, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment.

Neovascularization is typically treated with PRP laser. Occasionally, anti-VEGF medications are injected to decrease retinal swelling.

Dot-blot hemorrhages are deeper and more common with diabetes, Flame hemorrhages occur in superficial layers and often seen with HTN.

The macula derives its nutrition from the choroid underneath. When detached, the rods and cones die from lack of blood supply.

We use two categories: NPDR (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy) and the more advanced PDR (proliferative diabetic retinopathy).