Retinal conditions & treatment
Retinal assessment, surgery and injection treatment with Dr Simon Chen, guided by your symptoms and the health of your eye.
Common reasons to consult Dr Chen
You may have noticed a change in your vision, or been referred with a retinal condition. Dr Chen will assess your symptoms, examine your eye and explain the options for your care.
New flashing lights, a sudden increase in floaters, new distortion or sudden blurred vision need prompt advice. A shadow, curtain or sudden loss of vision needs urgent assessment.
When to seek urgent assessment →- FloatersSpots, strands or cobwebs in your vision →
- Age-related macular degenerationAssessment and ongoing macular care →
- Flashing lightsNew flashes need prompt assessment →
- Epiretinal membranesA membrane affecting central vision →
- DistortionStraight lines appearing bent or wavy →
- Blurred visionAn examination to identify the cause →
When to seek urgent assessment
New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision need urgent assessment.
Phone Vision Eye Institute directly. If the clinic is closed or you cannot be assessed promptly, attend your nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online reply.
Call the clinic: 02 9424 9999Select a retinal condition
Floaters and floater surgery
Assessment, laser treatment and vitrectomy for persistent floaters, with urgent advice for sudden changes.
→Epiretinal membrane
Distortion at the centre, OCT assessment, and vitrectomy with membrane peel.
→Macular hole & VMT
A small gap at the centre of vision, and the choice between watching and surgery.
→Retinal tears & detachment
Warning signs that need same-day contact, laser for a tear, surgery for a detachment.
→Macular degeneration
Dry and wet AMD, assessment, and what eye injections involve.
→
Combined cataract and retinal surgery
Cataract surgery and vitrectomy in one operation, and when staging is better.
→Retinal vein occlusion
A blocked retinal vein, assessment of its effects and treatment for swelling when needed.
→Eye injection treatment
How treatment is given, monitoring and planning your visits.
→Retinal vein occlusion
A retinal vein occlusion is a blockage in a vein carrying blood away from the retina. It can cause bleeding and swelling at the macula, affecting central vision.
Dr Chen assesses the retina and scans to determine what treatment and monitoring are needed. Eye injections may be used for macular swelling; laser is appropriate in some circumstances.
About eye injections →Treatment options
Vitrectomy surgery
Discuss the purpose of surgery, its trade-offs and what follow-up may involve.
Eye injections
For selected retinal conditions, with a treatment plan discussed with your specialist.
Retinal laser
An option for particular retinal problems, guided by the examination and diagnosis.
Preparing for a retinal appointment
Testing and examination take time, and most retinal appointments involve dilating drops.
The drops blur vision and increase light sensitivity for several hours. Plan around that practical reality: bring sunglasses, and do not drive straight after the appointment. Retinal scans and photographs are often taken so that changes can be measured over time.
Bring with you
- Your referral and any previous scans
- Current glasses
- A list of medications, including blood thinners
- Someone to drive you home
Many retinal conditions are managed alongside your optometrist or GP. Findings and plans are communicated back so that everyone involved in your care is working from the same picture.
Surgery, explained.
Common questions
When should I call rather than book online?
New flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision need urgent assessment. Call Vision Eye Institute on 02 9424 9999. If the clinic is closed or you cannot be assessed promptly, attend your nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online reply.
Will I need dilating drops?
Almost always. They allow a proper view of the retina and macula. Expect blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours; bring sunglasses and arrange transport.
What is an intravitreal injection like?
The eye is numbed with drops and the injection itself takes seconds. Most people describe pressure rather than pain. Treatment is usually a course, with the interval adjusted to the eye.
Do floaters need surgery?
Usually not. Most floaters settle or become less noticeable. Surgery is considered when they persistently interfere with daily life, and the trade-offs are discussed candidly.
Need urgent eye care?
For new flashes, suddenly increased floaters, a shadow or curtain, or sudden loss of vision, follow the urgent assessment advice above.
Free Chinese Patient Liaison for VEI Sydney patients. Chinese language support through VEI (02) 9052 1886