The retina is the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. It converts light into the signals the brain interprets as sight, and the macula — its small central portion — is responsible for the sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving and recognizing faces.

Because retinal tissue is delicate and does not regenerate, conditions affecting it are managed by physicians who specialize specifically in the retina rather than by general eye care alone. At Retina Macula Institute of Arizona, Mark R. Barakat, MD, FASRS and Wendy Huang, MD evaluate and manage the full range of retinal and macular disease from a single Scottsdale location.

Conditions we evaluate and treat

Retinal conditions vary widely — some develop gradually over years, while others cause sudden changes that need to be examined the same day. The pages below explain what each condition is, what symptoms tend to accompany it, and how it is typically evaluated.

Symptoms that should be evaluated promptly

Some retinal changes are painless and easy to dismiss, which is part of what makes them worth taking seriously. Contact an eye care provider without delay if you notice:

  • A sudden increase in floating spots, cobwebs or specks
  • Flashes of light, particularly in the peripheral vision
  • A shadow, curtain or dark area moving across the field of vision
  • Sudden loss of vision in one eye, whether or not it improves
  • Straight lines that appear bent, wavy or interrupted
  • A blurred or blank spot in the center of vision

Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye should be treated as an emergency. Call our office at (602) 613-5473 or seek emergency care.

How a retina evaluation works

A retina consultation is more involved than a routine vision check. Pupils are dilated so the entire retinal surface can be examined, which means vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for several hours afterward — please arrange for someone to drive you home.

Most visits include retinal imaging. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) produces a cross-sectional view of the retinal layers and shows swelling, fluid or thinning that cannot be seen by examination alone. Fundus photography documents the appearance of the retina for comparison over time, and fluorescein angiography may be used to map blood flow and leakage when a vascular problem is suspected.

You will review the findings with your physician during the same visit, along with an explanation of the condition, the options available and what follow-up is recommended.

Working with your referring provider

Many patients reach us through their optometrist or ophthalmologist. We work as a specialty extension of that relationship rather than a replacement for it: findings and treatment plans are communicated back to the referring provider, and routine eye care continues where it began.

Providers can find referral information on our Referring Providers page.

Research alongside clinical care

Dr. Barakat serves as Director of Research at Retina Macula Institute of Arizona, and the practice conducts clinical trials in retinal disease. Participation is entirely optional and is never a condition of receiving care.

If you would like to understand what taking part involves, our Clinical Research section covers what to expect, the research team, and the terminology used during a study.

Common questions about retina care

A referral is not required to schedule an appointment, though many patients are sent to us by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. If you have been referred, bringing any imaging or records from that provider helps us avoid repeating tests you have already had.

An optometrist or general ophthalmologist manages overall eye health, vision correction and conditions such as cataract and glaucoma. A retina specialist completes additional fellowship training focused on the retina, macula and vitreous, and manages the medical and surgical treatment of those structures. The two roles are complementary — we do not replace your routine eye care.

Almost always. The retina cannot be examined adequately through an undilated pupil, so dilation is a standard part of retina appointments. Plan for blurred near vision and light sensitivity for several hours, and arrange for someone to drive you home.

Retina visits typically take longer than a routine eye exam because they include dilation, waiting for the drops to take effect, and imaging. Allowing around two hours for a first visit is realistic, though the actual time varies with what testing is needed.

Optical coherence tomography and fundus photography are non-contact and painless. Fluorescein angiography involves an injection of dye into a vein in the arm, and some patients notice brief nausea or a temporary yellow tint to the skin; your physician will explain the test before it is performed.

A list of current medications, your insurance information, any records or images from a referring provider, and sunglasses for the drive home. Our Intake Forms page has the paperwork you can complete in advance.

Schedule a retina evaluation

Retina Macula Institute of Arizona sees patients at 20201 North Scottsdale Healthcare Drive, Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Call (602) 613-5473 to arrange an appointment, or contact our office with a question.