Have you or someone in your family, perhaps your mother or father who has diabetes, ever been told by an ophthalmologist, "There's a little problem with the retina, let's see a specialist for this"? Or have you ever experienced a gradual blurring of vision as you age, and you can't see the center of your vision? When that happens, we may think, "Why a separate doctor for this? Isn't an ophthalmologist enough?" That's the question we're going to talk about today. Who exactly is a 'Retina Specialist'? Let's talk about it in detail and very simply.
Who is this Retina Specialist? Let's understand it simply.
Think of our eyes as a good camera. The film behind this camera records the images of the things we see. The very important membrane inside the eye that acts like that film, which has many light-sensitive cells, is called the retina . The light from the things we see hits this retina, turns into electrical signals, and travels to the brain through the optic nerve, which is where we see.
So, we call a Retina Specialist a doctor who has received very special training in diseases and surgeries that affect the retina and the jelly-like substance between the lens of the eye and the retina, that is, the vitreous body .
Simply put, every Retina Specialist is an Ophthalmologist. But not every Ophthalmologist is a Retina Specialist. It's like this, every Cardiologist is a general physician. But he has studied the heart in more depth and received special training. That's how it is. These specialists are there for complex diseases related to the retina that a general Ophthalmologist cannot treat.
How long does it take to study to become such an expert?
This is a really big commitment and a long journey. Just imagine how long it takes to study to become such an expert.
1. First, you need to complete a general degree.
2. After that, you need to study for four years in medical school (MBBS).
3. Next, you need to complete a one-year internship.
4. After that, you will undergo a three-year residency in ophthalmology. It is during this time that you will become a general ophthalmologist.
5. Finally, you must undergo a two-year fellowship in diseases related to the retina and vitreous body.
That means, after a general degree, a Retina Specialist is born after about 10 years of additional study and training. These people continue to learn about new technologies and new treatment methods throughout their professional lives. Because ophthalmology is a field that is developing day by day.
What conditions does a Retina Specialist treat?
These specialists primarily treat injuries and diseases of the very sensitive parts of the eye. Many of these diseases, if not diagnosed and treated early, can lead to permanent vision loss. That's why the role of these doctors is so important.
Let's see from the table below what are the main medical conditions they treat.
| Condition | Simply put, what happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Age-related macular degeneration | As we age, the central part of the retina (the macula) weakens. The center of objects seen directly becomes blurry and appears as a black spot. |
| Eye damage due to diabetes (Diabetes-related retinopathy) | Diabetes damages the delicate blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood or fluid. This is a major cause of vision loss. |
| Retinal detachment | A retinal detachment is a separation of the retina from the underlying tissue. This is an emergency. If you suddenly see a black spot, a spider web, or a flash of light in front of your eye, you should see a doctor immediately. |
| Macular hole | A small hole in the central part of the retina (macula) that causes the center of objects to be blurred when viewed directly. |
| Macular pucker | A thin layer of tissue forms on the center of the retina, causing it to become wrinkled. This can cause vision to become distorted (like straight lines). |
| Retinal vein occlusion | A blockage of a vein that carries blood away from the retina. This can cause sudden loss of vision. |
| Serious eye injuries | Treating damage to the parts of the eye, especially the retina, caused by an accident. |
| Serious eye infections and inflammations (uveitis and endophthalmitis) | Severe infections and inflammations inside the eye. These require prompt treatment. |
The most important thing is that if you notice any of these symptoms, don't ignore them and see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If he or she thinks it's necessary, they will refer you to a Retina Specialist.
What should you expect when you visit a Retina Specialist?
If you have been referred to a Retina Specialist by a general ophthalmologist, there are a few things you should know about that appointment.
1. Time is running out.
Usually, when you go to see a specialist like this, especially for the first time, it can take about two or three hours . Because your eyes need to be examined very carefully. It takes time to do the necessary tests. So, don't put other things on the day, and go with your mind at ease.
2. Don't drive alone.
This is very important. Before the doctor examines your eyes, he or she will use special eye drops to make the pupil of your eye bigger. This is called dilating the eyes . When the pupil is bigger, the doctor can see the retina, macula, and optic nerve inside your eye clearly.
This medicine may cause blurred vision for a few hours. It may also make it difficult to focus your eyes on bright lights. Therefore, never drive or come back alone. Always go with a family member or friend.
3. Prepare your medical details
The doctor will ask you about your complete medical history.
- Other diseases you have (such as diabetes, high blood pressure)
- What medications do you use?
- Allergies you have
- Whether anyone in the family has eye diseases
Remember all of this clearly and remember it. If possible, it is a good idea to take your medication and prescription with you.
What are the diagnostic tests?
To accurately diagnose your condition, your doctor may perform several different tests. Some of these may be unfamiliar to you. But there is no need to be afraid of any of these things.
| Test | What do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Slit lamp exam | Magnifying the structures inside the eye with a special instrument, such as a microscope. |
| Indirect ophthalmoscopy exam | The doctor wears a light-like device on his head and uses a lens to examine the back of the eye. This allows him to see almost the entire retina. |
| Optical coherence tomography (OCT) | This is like a scan of the inside of the eye. It takes cross-sectional images of the layers of the retina and looks for swelling, fluid buildup, etc. It's painless. |
| Fluorescein angiography | A special dye is injected into a vein in the arm, and a series of pictures are taken of the blood vessels inside the eye. This helps to see exactly if blood or fluid is leaking from the blood vessels in diseases such as diabetes. |
Important questions to ask your doctor
When we go to see a doctor, sometimes we forget all the questions we have. So, it's a good idea to write down everything you need to know on a piece of paper before you go. You can ask your companion to take a quick note of what the doctor says. Then you can look it up later.
Here are some questions you can ask:
About your medical condition:
- What exactly is my medical condition?
- What is the reason for this situation?
- How does this affect my vision?
- Are there things I need to change in my daily life? (e.g. diet, exercise)
- What symptoms should I be especially concerned about? What should I do if something like that happens?
- Is this a hereditary disease?
About tests:
- What exactly is expected from this test?
- When can I know the results (reports) of this?
- Are there any side effects or risks associated with this test?
About treatment:
- What treatment options do I have?
- What treatment does the doctor recommend? Why?
- What should I know about this treatment (medication, injection, surgery)?
- What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?
- How often will I have to see the doctor?
Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have. The more clearly you understand your condition, the easier it will be for you to support your treatment.
Finally, your eyes are a very valuable asset. So, if you notice any changes or abnormalities in your vision, don't ignore them. A Retina Specialist is a specialist who has the maximum training and knowledge to help you protect your vision. Therefore, if you are referred to such a doctor, following their instructions will be a great help in protecting your vision.
Take-Home Message
- A Retina Specialist is a doctor who has received special training in the retina, more than a general ophthalmologist.
- These specialist doctors treat serious diseases such as eye damage caused by diabetes, retinal detachment, and age-related vision loss.
- If you are referred to a Retina Specialist, keep in mind that the appointment will take longer (2-3 hours) and that you will need to avoid driving and be accompanied by someone else as the eye medication will be applied.
- If you experience a sudden change in vision (floaters, flashes of light, sudden loss of vision), go to an ophthalmologist or a hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately without delay .
- Ask your doctor clear questions about your condition, tests, and treatment. This is essential for successful treatment.
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