Vitreoretinal Diseases & Treatments in Derry & surrounding areas

Our Retina Specialists Make Sure Your Vision is Protected

Vitreoretinal diseases affect the retina and vitreous fluid in the back of the eye. Left untreated, vitreoretinal diseases can have serious consequences on your vision and overall well-being.  

Spindel Eye Associates specializes in treating vitreoretinal diseases in New Hampshire. Doctor David Ramsey, from Lahey Clinic of Ophthalmology, sees retina patients in our Derry office.

Call us today and get help from our knowledgeable and caring doctors and make sure your vision is protected.

Common Vitreoretinal Diseases

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes or who have had diabetes for many years.  It is characterized by damage to the blood vessels in the retina which has occurred due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, the damaged blood vessels cause fluid leakage, swelling, and abnormal blood vessel growth.   All of these changes can alter and affect the vision. 

The disease can be further broken down into a proliferative and non-proliferative form. No treatment is typically required at the non-proliferative stage, but proliferative diabetic retinopathy is progressive and requires intervention from qualified eye specialists.  Proliferative means that new blood vessels have grown in the retina in an area where they shouldn’t be.  These abnormal vessels tend to leak and cause blood to pool in the back of the eye.  Laser procedures are often needed to stop these vessels from bleeding. 

Diabetic retinopathy is often asymptomatic in early stages but can progress to the point where patients may see dark floaters or experience blurred vision from swelling in the retina.  Proliferative diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser surgery, a procedure that Spindel Eye Associates offers.  

Macular Degeneration

The most common form of macular degeneration is age-related and is referred to as “dry AMD.” The disease thins the macula of the eye, which is where your central vision is located.   The disease also allows tiny clumps of protein called drusen to deposit in the retina.   Symptoms may not be present at first.  Over time, however, many people experience reduced vision in their central vision, have difficulty seeing in low light, and see colors less brightly.   

Although there is currently no cure for dry AMD, addressing certain lifestyle factors can prevent its progression if it is caught in the early stages. We can perform a specialized retinal scan called an OCT to look at the retina at the microscopic level and diagnose how far the disease has progressed.   We also offer support like low vision rehabilitation.  

The more severe form of macular degeneration, also known as “wet AMD” is much more serious.  Wet AMD is when new, abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina.  These vessels may leak blood or other fluids causing scarring of the macula.  You lose vision faster with wet AMD than with dry AMD.

Currently,  Spindel Eye Associates is proud to be a leading clinic in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts in treating wet AMD.  We have a large population of wet AMD patients receiving injections of medicines designed to slow and stop the fluid leakage into the macula.  Dr. Ramsey sees wet AMD patient s in our Derry office on Wednesday and is extremely experienced with giving these specialized injections. 

Retinal Detachment

With retinal detachment, the retina pulls away from the back surface of the eye. Symptoms may include blurred vision, bright flashes of light, seeing multiple floaters in the eye, and peripheral vision issues that get progressively worse. Retinal detachment is considered a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. 

It’s vital to get swift surgical treatment to prevent blindness caused by the detached retina. If you think you are experiencing this serious eye condition, contact us right away for help.  We are available for emergency phone calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  One of our doctors is always on call after the office is closed. 

Treating Vitreoretinal Diseases

There are a number of other vitreoretinal diseases not mentioned above, so if you’re having any vision problems or eye concerns, make an appointment with our office for an examination. Our specialized equipment allows us to diagnose and treat eye diseases of all kinds, and we do so with a friendly, professional demeanor.  

Spindel Eye Associates treats a wide range of vitreoretinal diseases at our offices in Derry, Windham, and Londonderry.

We are committed to preserving and protecting your eyesight.  Contact us today to schedule an eye appointment.