Retinal and vitreous specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the retina and vitreous humor of the eye.
The retina is a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells which detect light and send signals to the brain to create visual images. The vitreous humor is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the space between the lens and the retina.
Retinal specialists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the retina, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and other retinal disorders. They use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic tests and procedures, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography.
Vitreous specialists, on the other hand, focus on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the vitreous humor, such as vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous detachment, and macular holes. They may use techniques such as vitrectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the vitreous humor) and laser photocoagulation to treat these conditions.
Retinal and vitreous specialists may work in private practice, hospitals, or academic medical centers. They often work closely with other eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with retinal and vitreous disorders.