The award-winning team at Four Corners Eye Clinic is committed to providing outstanding, comprehensive eyecare in a compassionate, professional environment.
Appointment RequestMain Office Four Corners Eye Clinic 575 Rivergate Lane #212 Durango, CO 81301 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite Office Farmington Location 3450 E Main St Farmington, NM 87402 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite Office Cortez Location 22 S Beech St Cortez, CO 81321 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite Office Pagosa Springs Location 190 Talisman Dr Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite Office Aztec Location 121 S Main Ave Aztec, NM 87410 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Satellite Office Bayfield Location 49 W Mill St Bayfield, CO 81122 Phone: (970) 259-2202 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Retina Therapy & Surgery
The retina is the powerhouse of the eye, translating everything we see and transmitting those messages to our brains. At Four Corners Eye Clinic, our eye care experts offer retina therapy and surgery to help people in Farmington, Aztec, and throughout New Mexico and Colorado protect and preserve the function of their retinas so they can continue seeing and enjoying the people, places, and activities they love.
Here, get to know how the retina works and familiarize yourself with some of its common afflictions to learn more about what you can do now to keep your retinas functioning at their peak.
About the Retina
The retina is the innermost layer of the eye, and it’s where the light-sensitive rods and cones reside. The retina is attached to the optic nerve and sends signals to your brain any time you look at something. The retina is a powerful, important structure that plays a key role in healthy vision.
Common Retinal Conditions
Detached Retina
A detached retina is perhaps the most concerning condition related to the retina. When a retina becomes “detached,” it means that part of it has broken away from the supportive structures that hold it in place. This can occur suddenly, especially in the case of an injury, or gradually as the result of disease or a tumor.
Vague symptoms, such as blurriness or floaters, may begin early, but a detached retina caused by an injury creates immediate symptoms. You may notice the illusion of a black “curtain” lowering into your field of vision.
Urgent surgical intervention is the treatment for a detached retina.
Macular Degeneration
This condition affects the macula, a 5-millimeter area of tissue at the very back of the retina. The macula collects the light that is gathered from other structures of the eyes. Macular degeneration is on the rise and is the primary cause of vision loss among aging men and women, especially people in their 80s and older. Macular degeneration is typically categorized as either “wet” or “dry.” These categories are determined by the growth of blood vessels. Wet macular degeneration is the more advanced version of the condition and is characterized by blood vessels growing abnormally.
The most common symptoms of macular degeneration are a blind spot in your central vision or distortion of the central vision. The condition can be detected before it causes any symptoms during a routine eye exam. Presently, it appears that Caucasian people are at the highest risk of developing macular degeneration. Although there is a genetic component, keeping your eyes protected from the sun and managing your blood pressure can reduce your risk. There is no cure for macular degeneration, but some treatments and lifestyle changes can help slow its progression.
Diabetic Retinopathy
People with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes are all at risk for visual complications from the disease. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the blood vessels in the eye weaken, break down, and form scar tissue on the retina. This condition occurs primarily when diabetes is poorly managed and is characterized by eye pain, early cataract development, and other symptoms. Learn more about diabetic eye care.
Are you caring for someone with a retinal condition? Visit our Eye Care for Your Loved One page.
How to Support Retina Health
While you cannot directly strengthen the retina, maintaining overall eye health can help support retina health. Recommended practices include:
- Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Eating a balanced diet
- Protecting your eyes from UV light
Regular eye exams are an effective way to ensure potential problems are detected as early as possible.
Healing the Retina
Injuries, eye surgery, nearsightedness, and aging are commonly associated with retinal tears. While minor retinal tears or holes may “heal” by developing adhesions on their own, it’s always best to seek professional eye care as soon as possible to manage the tear. Significant damage typically requires surgical intervention to prevent detachment and vision loss.
Consequences of Untreated Retinal Tears
Without treatment, a torn retina can lead to retinal detachment, which may cause permanent vision loss. Vision loss often progresses rapidly, which is why it’s critical to seek medical care right away.
Retina Therapy & Surgery FAQ
What are the warning signs of retinal detachment?
Any of the following new vision changes could indicate a retinal detachment:
- Sudden development or increase in floaters
- Flashes of light in one or both eyes
- Blurred vision
- Darkening in the peripheral vision
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to have an exam with an eye doctor as soon as possible.
How to prevent a retinal tear from getting worse?
You can prevent a retinal tear from worsening by avoiding activities that may strain your eyes, such as heavy lifting and intense exercise. Prompt treatment, such as surgical intervention, is crucial.
How long is the recovery time after retina surgery?
The length of recovery varies with the patient’s age and health and the specifics of the surgery. In general, patients need 2 to 4 weeks of restrictions after surgery. We will provide you with post-op instructions to follow after your surgery.
Are there any risks associated with retina surgery?
All surgeries have risks, which is why it’s important to choose an experienced, qualified eye surgeon. After retina surgery, there is an increased risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma. Once they have fully recovered, patients may need their prescriptions for glasses or contacts changed. Your surgeon will discuss risks specific to you during your appointment before surgery. Keep in mind, without treatment, a detached retina is likely to degenerate and become unable to function, leading to permanent vision loss.
How do you stop macular degeneration from progressing?
In many cases, you can stop macular degeneration from progressing by making healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, wearing sunglasses, consuming a diet rich in leafy greens, or taking supplements recommended by your healthcare provider. Regular eye exams are also essential to preserving your eye health.
How long before macular degeneration causes blindness?
While it rarely leads to complete blindness, the progression of macular degeneration may cause significant vision loss over several years, negatively affecting your lifestyle and overall well-being.
Do you completely lose your sight with macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, so complete blindness is rare. Peripheral vision usually remains intact, allowing for some level of sight. However, as the condition worsens, it becomes harder to see faces, read, drive, or perform certain daily activities or chores that require “close-up” vision.
What worsens diabetic retinopathy?
Factors such as uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood pressure, and smoking can worsen diabetic retinopathy. Regular monitoring and management of these conditions are essential to slow the progression.
Healthy vision is our passion, and retina therapy plays a key role. Learn more about your retinal condition and get to know your treatment options when you request an appointment using our online form or call Four Corners Eye Clinic in Durango at (970) 259-2202. We also see patients at our satellite offices in Cortez and Pagosa Springs, CO.
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