Medical and surgical retina

If you are suffering from a retinal disorder, and need the services of a compassionate, experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Dory Neu-Ner is here to help you. He is an ophthalmic surgeon with a special interest in the retina. He has the knowledge and technology to treat a variety of retinal diseases successfully.

Patients who visit Dr. Neu-Ner’s practice can expect professional, quality services and expert advice on retinal eye health and eye care. He treats all his patients in a safe and efficient manner. He offers the most advanced diagnosis and the latest medical treatments for retinal eye conditions.

Medical retina specialist

Dr. Neu-Ner is a medical retina specialist that uses special equipment to examine the retina. The retina is the part of your eye that organises and receives visual information to your brain through your optic nerve. It is a thin layer of cells lining the back part of the inside of the eye.

Dr. Neu-Ner provides patients with practical approaches to managing retinal diseases and disorders. He is able to administer drugs, eye drops, injections and laser treatment. Retinal disorders can include:

  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic eye disease
  • Retinal Vascular occlusions
  • Hereditary eye problems such as retinitis pigmentosa

Many of the most common medical retina treatments involve administering chemicals via an injection to the back of the eye. This needs to happen on a regular basis and Dr. Neu-Ner will discuss the amount of treatments you will need and their intervals.

If you require regular intra-vitreal injections for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and other conditions, consult Dr. Neu-Ner today. If you have any of the following problems, you may need to consult him urgently:

  • Retinal tear or detachment – this is when liquid from the vitreous seeps behind the retina. Symptoms include spots in your vision field, flashes of light and blurry vision.
  • Foreign object or body in the eye – Dr. Neu-Ner is able to carefully remove objects that pierce the eyeball.
  • Wet age-related macular degeneration or (AMD) – this is when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak blood. The retina then bulges away from the underlying tissue and can either distort your vision or cause permanent vision loss.
  • Retinal vein occlusion or (RVO) – this is when there is a blockage in the vein that carries blood away from the retina. Dr. Neu-Ner can provide laser treatments or injections to reduce the damage and swelling.
  • Endophthalmitis – this is a severe inflammation of the tissues inside the eye typically caused by bacteria.

Surgical retina

Dr. Neu-Ner is able to treat retinal tears and detachments, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes and others for his patients in Sandton. He achieves the surgical repair of retinal detachments by performing the following as an eye surgeon:

  1. Vitrectomy – this is a surgical procedure done to remove the vitreous gel from the eyeball.
  2. Scleral Buckle – is a common surgery used to treat retinal detachment and is an outpatient procedure
  3. Pneumatic Retinopexy – this procedure requires Dr. Neu-Ner to numb your eye and then then insert a small needle to remove a small amount of fluid to soften the eye.

If you suspect you may have any of the above conditions, consult Dr. Neu-Ner for a comprehensive eye exam to determine the extent of your disease or eye condition. He will talk you through your treatment and or surgical options and suggest the best possible way forward.

Have any questions on retinal disorders and retina surgery? We are here to help. If you do not find your answer below, get in touch with us and we will do our best to provide it.

What is a retina specialist?

A retina specialist is a medical doctor with advanced training in ophthalmology and a focus on diseases and surgery related to the vitreous body and retina of the eye. This subspecialty, often referred to as vitreoretinal medicine, involves extensive training and expertise.

How do you treat retina problems?

Laser surgery can address a retinal tear or hole by using a laser to apply heat to specific points on the retina. This process creates scarring that typically helps attach the retina to the underlying tissue. Prompt laser treatment for a new retinal tear can reduce the risk of it leading to a retinal detachment.

Can retina be restored?

In cases of severe retinal damage, more invasive surgery may be required to remove the damaged tissue and replace it with healthy tissue. Sometimes, a retinal prosthesis may be implanted to restore vision. Additionally, making certain lifestyle and dietary changes can enhance retinal health and help prevent further damage.

Why would I be sent to a retina specialist?

Retina specialists can diagnose and treat injuries involving the penetration of metallic, glass, or organic materials into the eye. After evaluating the injury, they will remove any fragments using specialized tools and diagnostic techniques. If necessary, they may perform surgery, typically a vitrectomy, to remove the vitreous body.

How serious is a retina problem?

The retina is responsible for sharp, central vision essential for tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing fine details. Disorders of the retina can impact this critical tissue and potentially impair vision, with some conditions being severe enough to lead to blindness.

Can retina be fixed without surgery?

Laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy can be employed to treat a retinal detachment and prevent its expansion. If the detachment is extensive and cannot be managed with these methods alone, surgery may be required.

How do I know if my retina is damaged?

It is crucial to monitor any changes in your vision and seek prompt medical care. If you experience sudden floaters, flashes, or a decrease in vision, seek immediate medical attention, as these could be indicators of a serious retinal condition.

What are signs of disease on the retina?

Symptoms of retinal diseases may include eye floaters and flashes, blurred or distorted vision, and blind spots in either your central or peripheral vision.

Can the retina heal itself?

Damaged retinal cells do not heal or regenerate, which is a significant challenge for those who have lost vision due to traumatic injuries or conditions like macular degeneration, retinitis, or diabetic retinopathy.

What happens if retina is not treated?

If a retinal detachment is not promptly addressed, it can lead to further detachment of the retina, significantly increasing the risk of permanent vision loss or blindness.

Can an optician check your retina?

If you have symptoms, an optician can determine if you have a retinal tear or detachment. They can then provide an urgent referral to an ophthalmologist for specialized evaluation and treatment.

What is retinal surgery?

The retina is the curved, light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from the back of the eye. Surgery for retinal detachment involves reattaching the retina and repairing any breaks or holes.

How long does it take to recover from retinal detachment surgery?

You will need approximately 2 to 4 weeks to recover before resuming your usual activities. Individual recovery times may vary.

How painful is retina surgery?

You will not experience pain during retina surgery. However, you may experience some discomfort during recovery. Your eye might be swollen and red, and if stitches are present, you may feel some scratchiness until they dissolve.

Does your eye look normal after retinal surgery?

Some swelling is normal for the first week after surgery and should gradually subside. However, if you are required to maintain a face-down position as instructed by your doctor, swelling may increase or persist longer. The eye will appear red following the surgery, with the redness gradually diminishing over the first 3-4 weeks.