AMD,Retina

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.

What to Expect at Your Retina Appointment

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.

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