Condition library

Retina, vitreous and optic nerve conditions

Conditions affecting the light-sensing retina, vitreous gel and optic nerve at the back of the eye.

Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13

Macular degeneration Age-related loss of central vision affecting the macula; dry AMD is common and slow, wet AMD needs urgent treatment. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels; screening finds silent disease, and macular swelling (DME) needs targeted treatment. Diabetic macular oedema Fluid swelling at the macula from diabetes; blurs central vision but is treatable when found early on screening. Epiretinal membrane A thin scar-like sheet on the macula that can warp central vision; many cases are mild and only some need surgery. Retinal detachment A medical emergency where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye; urgent treatment protects sight. Retinal tear A split in the retina that can lead to detachment; new flashes and floaters need same-day care. Retinal vein occlusion A blocked vein at the back of the eye causing sudden blurred vision; needs prompt eye assessment. Retinal artery occlusion Blocked retinal artery causing sudden painless vision loss; brief episodes (amaurosis fugax) are stroke warnings needing emergency assessment. Floaters and flashes Drifting spots and brief light flashes are common with age; a sudden shower of floaters or a curtain of vision loss is an emergency. Posterior vitreous detachment A common, usually harmless age-related change causing floaters and flashes; needs checking to rule out a retinal tear. Vitreous haemorrhage Bleeding into the gel inside the eye causing sudden floaters or vision loss; needs urgent assessment. Lattice degeneration Thinning at the edge of the retina, common and usually harmless but linked to retinal tears in some people. Central serous retinopathy Fluid under the retina causing blurred or distorted central vision, often in stressed middle-aged men. Macular hole A small gap in the central retina causing distorted or missing central vision; often treated with surgery. Retinitis pigmentosa A group of inherited conditions that slowly break down the retina, often starting with night and side vision. Optic neuritis Inflammation of the optic nerve causing sudden vision loss or pain on eye movement; needs urgent assessment. Papilloedema Swelling of the optic nerve from raised pressure around the brain; causes headaches and vision changes. Eye cancer (ocular melanoma) A rare cancer inside or on the eye; may have few early symptoms, so eye checks matter. Endophthalmitis Severe infection inside the eye after surgery or injury; a sight-threatening emergency. Uveitis Inflammation inside the eye causing pain, redness and blurred vision; needs prompt specialist treatment. Iritis Inflammation at the front of the eye causing a painful, red, light-sensitive eye; needs prompt steroid treatment. Scleritis Painful, deep inflammation of the white of the eye, often linked to autoimmune disease; needs prompt care. Shingles in the eye Shingles affecting the eye area can threaten sight; the rash and eye pain need urgent specialist care. Nystagmus Involuntary, repetitive eye movements that can affect vision; managed with support and treating any cause. Ocular migraine (visual aura) Temporary visual disturbances like zigzags or shimmering from migraine; usually harmless and short-lived. Retinopathy of prematurity Abnormal blood vessel growth in premature babies' retinas; screened and treated to prevent vision loss. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) A parasitic eye disease spread by black flies; a WHO-targeted cause of preventable blindness in affected regions. Colour blindness Usually inherited difficulty telling certain colours apart, most often red and green; not usually serious. Leprosy and the eyes Leprosy can damage nerves that protect the eye surface, causing dryness, lagophthalmos and preventable corneal blindness. Lymphatic filariasis A mosquito-spread parasitic disease targeted by WHO; endemic in parts of Indonesia and tropical regions, with rare eye complications. Cysticercosis and the eye Tapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease. Giant cell arteritis Inflammation of scalp arteries in older adults; headache, jaw pain and sudden vision loss are emergencies. Charles Bonnet syndrome Visual hallucinations in people with significant sight loss; distressing but not a mental illness — needs understanding and support.

Frequently asked questions

Which retina symptoms are emergencies?

A sudden shower of floaters, flashing lights, a curtain over vision, or sudden painless vision loss need same-day assessment to rule out retinal detachment or artery blockage.

How often should people with diabetes have retina checks?

Most people with diabetes need periodic retinal screening even when vision feels normal, because diabetic retinopathy can progress silently until it threatens sight.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry AMD is more common and progresses slowly. Wet AMD can cause sudden central distortion or loss and often needs urgent treatment with injections or other specialist care.

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