Signs of Retinal Disease: What to Watch For and Where to Get Treatment
Some vision problems go beyond routine eye exams. If you’re noticing sudden changes in your sight—like blurriness, shadows, floaters, or distortion—it may be time to see a retina specialist.
At Sweeney Eye Associates, our retina team—including Dr. Sai Chavala and Dr. Matthew Lippas—provides both medical and surgical retina care, with consultations available at our Richardson and Sunnyvale locations. You don’t need a diagnosis to be seen—and in many cases, the sooner we evaluate your symptoms, the better your outcome.
What Does a Retina Specialist Do?
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist with advanced training in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the retina—the delicate tissue lining the back of your eye that processes light and sends visual signals to your brain.
At Sweeney Eye Associates, our retina care includes:
On-site imaging and diagnostics (like OCT and angiography)
In-office treatments like injections and laser therapy
Surgical options including vitrectomy, macular repair, and retinal detachment treatment
Whether you need long-term monitoring or urgent surgical care, our team can provide it—all in one place.
5 Symptoms That May Mean You Need a Retina Specialist
1. Sudden Vision Loss or Distortion
If your vision becomes blurry or wavy, or you notice a sudden loss of detail in the center of your sight, it could be a sign of:
Macular hole
Wet macular degeneration
Retinal bleeding (vitreous hemorrhage) These changes can come on quickly and require urgent care.
2. New Floaters or Flashes of Light
A sudden shower of floaters or bright flashes in your peripheral vision can indicate:
Posterior vitreous detachment
Retinal tear
Retinal detachment Don’t wait to “see if it goes away”—these symptoms should be evaluated immediately.
3. A Dark Spot, Shadow, or Curtain in Your Vision
If part of your vision seems to be missing—especially in one eye—it could be due to:
Retinal detachment
Retinal vein occlusion
Peripheral retinal tear These signs are easy to dismiss but could lead to permanent vision loss if ignored.
4. Changes in Vision with Diabetes
Even if your blood sugar is well-controlled, diabetes can damage your retina silently. Call us if you notice:
Blurry or fluctuating vision
Trouble with night vision
Faded colors These may be signs of diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular edema, both of which are treatable if caught early.
5. Difficulty Reading, Seeing Faces, or Driving
If straight lines look warped or familiar faces seem blurry, it might be more than needing new glasses. Conditions like:
Macular degeneration
Epiretinal membrane
Central serous retinopathy can cause subtle but progressive changes to central vision.
Whether you’re coming in for symptoms or a second opinion, here’s what happens during a retina visit at Sweeney Eye Associates:
We’ll review your vision history and current concerns
You’ll receive advanced imaging to evaluate your retina
We’ll explain your diagnosis (if one is found) in plain language
If treatment is needed, we’ll begin the plan—often on the same day
Common Questions About Retina Care
Yes, in most cases. Some insurance plans may require one, but most do not—and we’re happy to check for you.
Not at all. Many patients come in with symptoms, not a name for what’s causing them. That’s what we’re here to find out.
Yes. Most retina exams and treatments, including injections and surgery, are covered by Medicare and private insurance. We’ll review your benefits with you in advance.
That depends on your condition. Some retina issues require just a few check-ins. Others, like wet AMD or diabetic eye disease, may involve regular monitoring or treatment every few weeks.
Yes. Our retina specialists see patients for consultations in both Richardson and Sunnyvale, and we’ll schedule you wherever is most convenient.
Schedule a Retina Evaluation
If you’ve been told to see a retina specialist—or if you’re worried something isn’t right—don’t wait. Vision loss from many retinal conditions is preventable with early treatment. Our team is ready to help you understand what’s going on and protect your sight.
Understanding Glaucoma Risk, Diagnosis & When to Act If you’ve ever been told your eye pressure is high, you might have left your exam wondering: Do I have glaucoma? Should I be worried? At Sweeney Eye Associates, our board-certified glaucoma specialists know how confusing it can be to hear terms like “intraocular pressure,” “ocular hypertension,”…
You’ve got enough to juggle with a chronic condition — medications, checkups, diet, maybe even those suspicious vitamins from Instagram. It’s easy to bump your eye exam to the bottom of the to-do list, especially if your vision seems “fine.” But at Sweeney Eye Associates, we see the other side — the patients who felt fine…
Diabetes affects more than just blood sugar levels—it can have serious consequences for your eyesight. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. However, with early detection, lifestyle changes, and advanced treatments, you can take control of your eye health and preserve your vision. At Sweeney…
Can You Get Vision Correction Surgery If You Have Diabetes? If you have diabetes and dream of freedom from glasses or contacts, you may wonder: “Is LASIK or Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) an option for me? The good news? Vision correction surgery can often be an option for people with diabetes— but meeting specific health…
At Sweeney Eye Associates, Dr. Matthew Lippas specializes in retina care for patients in Richardson, Sunnyvale, Murphy, and Dallas. Managing diabetes brings unique challenges, especially during the holiday season when routines and health habits may shift. For those with diabetes, maintaining eye health is critical, as diabetic retinopathy can lead to serious complications if left…
Living with retinal conditions can pose significant challenges, impacting both vision and overall well-being. At Sweeney Eye Associates, serving the metroplex with locations in Sunnyvale and Richardson, we understand the complexities of these conditions. Dr. Matthew Lippas, our retina specialist is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for patients facing retinal issues. With nearly…