Patient Education

Michael Tsipursky would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Advanced Retina Institute provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50. The name of the condition derives from its cause: damage to the macula, the most sensitive spot on the retina, required for clarity in the center of the visual field. The macula transmits electrical signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Damage to the macula results in retinal tissue degeneration that gradually worsens, diminishing or destroying central vision. ...

Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous choroidopathy (CSC), is an eye condition that develops due to an accumulation of fluid under the retina. The fluid leaks from the choroid, the blood vessel layer under the retina, into the area beneath the retina. While central serous retinopathy usually affects one eye at a time both eyes can be affected at the same time. More men, in their mid 30's to 50's, are affected with central serous retinopathy than women. ...

Comprehensive Eye Examination

Regular eye examinations are important in maintaining eye health. During a comprehensive eye examination, eye diseases or other abnormalities that are not yet causing symptoms can be detected. Early intervention is crucial in preventing vision loss from a disease such as glaucoma, which may not cause symptoms until significant and irreversible damage has taken place. Early detection of eye problems gives a patient a choice of treatment options, and reduces the risk of permanent damage. ...

Cystoid Macular Edema

Cystoid macular edema, also known as CME, is a swelling of the macula with fluid. The macula is responsible for the detailed, central vision that provides the ability to see objects with great detail. Swelling occurs as fluid builds up in the layers of the macula, gradually blurring vision. ...

Cystoid Macular Edema FAQs

What is cystoid macular edema?

Cystoid macular edema is a common condition that involves swelling in the macula, the center part of the vision that allows objects to be seen with great detail. This swelling occurs as fluid builds up in the layers of the macula, gradually blurring vision. ...

Diabetic Eye Disease

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing eye conditions as a complication their disease. Over 40 percent of patients diagnosed with diabetes develop some form of eye disease as a result of their disease. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the primary cause of blindness in the United States. ...

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. The length of time a person has diabetes determines his or her likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common diabetic eye complication, and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy causes the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused, to weaken, swell and leak, causing a loss of vision. ...

Digital Retinal Imaging

Digital retinal imaging is an advanced diagnostic tool that is used to effectively detect and diagnose a wide range of abnormalities within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye.

The highly magnified images can be used to evaluate the health of parts of the eye that include the following: ...

Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane, also known as a macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula is the area of the retina that provides clear, sharp central vision.

Causes of an Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane often develops as part of the natural aging process. The vitreous gel, which makes up most of the eye's volume, begins to thin and pull away from the retina. As a result, damage is caused to the retina and leads to the formation of scar tissue on the retina. When the scar tissue contracts, the retina wrinkles, or puckers, causing blurry or distorted central vision. ...

Eye Anatomy

The eye is a complex organ that works much like a camera, focusing light rays and forming an image. On the surface of the eye is the cornea, a thin, clear layer of tissue that provides a window for light to pass through. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye. ...

Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters of the eye are usually the result of age-related changes to the vitreous, which is the thick gel firmly attached to the retina from birth. During the aging process, however, the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, and at some point pulls away from the retina. This is known as a posterior vitreous separation or detachment (PVD). During PVD, tissue debris that was once secure in the firm vitreous gel loosens and moves around, casting shadows on the retina. ...

Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the blood vessels in the following parts of the eye:

• Retina
• Choroid
• Optic disc
• Iris

Reasons for a Fluorescein Angiography

The fluorescein angiography provides doctors with information about the retina. It can also be used to provide information as to the status of current treatments. A fluorescein angiography helps to diagnose and track problems such as: ...

Focal Macular Grid Treatment

People with diabetes are at risk of developing several kinds of diabetic eye diseases. One of these is macular edema, which is often asymptomatic until vision loss starts to occur. Leaking blood vessels within the retina will seep into the center of the macula, causing inflammation due to the accumulation of fluid. ...

Foresee PHP®

Foresee PHP®, or Foresee Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter, is a visual field analyzer used to detect and monitor the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a common eye condition that presents the most serious threat of visual impairment to the aging population. Foresee PHP represents an important step forward in the early detection and treatment of this dangerous disease. It is the only device that has been FDA-approved to measure macular function and assess the advancement of AMD during its earliest stages, when it may progress from its intermediate, dry stage to its more serious wet (choroidal neovascularization or CNV) stage. ...

Hypertensive Retinopathy

The retina is the layer of tissue that converts light and images into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The retina is located at the back part of the eye. Patients with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing hypertensive retinopathy, damage to the retina from high blood pressure. ...

MACUGEN®

MACUGEN® treatment, also known as pegaptanib sodium injection, is used to treat patients with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. MACUGEN treatment helps to preserve vision by slowing neovascularization, a process where tiny, abnormal blood vessels develop in the eye. During the MACUGEN treatment, injections are administered directly into the eye to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and to slow vision loss. In the case of AMD, such vessels leak into the macula, a highly pigmented spot near the center of the retina, affecting a patients central vision. ...

Macular Degeneration

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be classified as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Dry macular degeneration is the more common diagnosis, and is considered to be an early stage of the disease. This form of the disorder usually develops as the macular tissues thin during aging. Deposits of pigment within the macula may also occur. ...

Macular Hole

A macular hole is a hole in the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula contains light-sensitive cells which provide clear, sharp central vision. Specifically, the hole or defect occurs in the fovea, the center of the macula and the most delicate part of the entire retina. ...

Macular Pucker

A macular pucker, also known as an epiretinal membrane, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula is the area of the retina that provides clear, sharp central vision.

Causes of a Macular Pucker

Macular puckers often develop on their own as a part of the natural aging process. Particles that have drifted into the vitreous (the gel that fills the eye) settle onto the macula and begin to obscure vision. Membranes may also result from eye conditions or diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, inflammation, injury or vascular conditions. These are called secondary epiretinal membranes, whereas spontaneously formed membranes are called idiopathic. ...

Panretinal Photocoagulation

Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as PRP or scatter laser treatment, is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to seal or destroy leaking blood vessels on the retina. This method of treatment is effective in shrinking and preventing the growth of new blood vessels around the retina. In addition, a panretinal photocoagulation may reduce the occurrence of vitreous bleeding or retinal distortion in those patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. ...

Retinal Complications of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures. There is a risk of complication for any type of surgery, including cataract surgery, even when performed by the most skilled and competent surgeon.

Complications of cataract surgery while considered rare, may include the following: ...

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina of the eye is pulled away from the underlying tissue to which it is attached. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. In most cases, the detachment is a slowly progressing issue which must be treated once symptoms are realized. In some cases, a detachment occurs due to a trauma which causes a tear in the retina, allowing fluid to enter the vitreous and pull on the retinal tissue. ...

Retinal Implant

One of the many causes of blindness is an inherited disease of the retina known as retinitis pigmentosa another is age-related macular degeneration. Clinical trials are being conducted, in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy's (DOE) Artificial Retina Project, six DOE national laboratories, four research universities and private industry to create a retinal prosthesis to restore visual ability in those patients with these two conditions. ...

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

During laser photocoagulation, a laser beam is directed to the blood vessels that are leaking on the retina. The laser creates scar tissue around the area that slows the growth of any new or abnormal blood vessels. While it is unable to restore vision that has already been lost, laser photocoagulation can reduce the risk of vision loss, a major complication of retinal diseases. ...

Retinal Tear

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye. It is attached to the vitreous, the gel-like substance that gives the eye most of its volume. As a result of the aging process, the vitreous thins and its shape changes, sometimes causing it to pull away from the retina. This separation, known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), is a normal part of aging, but it can result in a retinal tear. Without treatment, retinal tears can cause retinal detachment that may result in blindness, so it is important for adults older than 50 to be vigilant about getting regular eye examinations. ...

Retinal Vein Occlusion

The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue located in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. Tiny blood vessels supply the retina with oxygen and other nutrients. Arteries deliver blood and the retinal veins carry it. Sometimes one of these arteries hardens or swells and presses on a nearby vein. The vein can then become blocked, or occluded, making it difficult for blood to leave the eye. This condition is called a retinal vein occlusion, or RVO. A retinal vein occlusion is also known as venous stasis retinopathy or hemorrhagic retinopathy. The blocked circulation caused by a retinal vein occlusion can lead to: ...

Retinavites%u2122 Supplements

Retinavites%u2122 antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements are designed to help people suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the primary cause of significant vision loss in people aged 60 and older. Retinavites supplements contain ingredients that have been shown to slow the progression of AMD. ...

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic disorder that causes the rod and cone cells of the retina to deteriorate. Retinitis pigmentosa is a member of a group of inherited retinal diseases that is characterized by a loss of visual field, night blindness and color perception. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that runs in families and is not caused by environmental factors, trauma or infection. Retinitis pigmentosa is not preventable. ...

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), also known as Terry syndrome or retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is the abnormal growth of blood vessels and scar tissue on the retinas of a premature baby. The growth of these blood vessels can cause the retina to detach from the eye resulting in vision impairment or blindness. Retinal blood vessels are usually developed by the time of birth or shortly thereafter. A premature birth interrupts the development process resulting in the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the retina. As a result, blood vessels begin to grow abnormally to supplement the needs of the retina. ...

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50. The name of the condition derives from its cause: damage to the macula, the most sensitive spot on the retina, required for clarity in the center of the visual field. The macula transmits electrical signals through the optic nerve to the brain. Damage to the macula results in retinal tissue degeneration that gradually worsens, diminishing or destroying central vision. ...

Central Serous Retinopathy

Central serous retinopathy (CSR), also known as central serous choroidopathy (CSC), is an eye condition that develops due to an accumulation of fluid under the retina. The fluid leaks from the choroid, the blood vessel layer under the retina, into the area beneath the retina. While central serous retinopathy usually affects one eye at a time both eyes can be affected at the same time. More men, in their mid 30's to 50's, are affected with central serous retinopathy than women. ...

Comprehensive Eye Examination

Regular eye examinations are important in maintaining eye health. During a comprehensive eye examination, eye diseases or other abnormalities that are not yet causing symptoms can be detected. Early intervention is crucial in preventing vision loss from a disease such as glaucoma, which may not cause symptoms until significant and irreversible damage has taken place. Early detection of eye problems gives a patient a choice of treatment options, and reduces the risk of permanent damage. ...

Cystoid Macular Edema

Cystoid macular edema, also known as CME, is a swelling of the macula with fluid. The macula is responsible for the detailed, central vision that provides the ability to see objects with great detail. Swelling occurs as fluid builds up in the layers of the macula, gradually blurring vision. ...

Cystoid Macular Edema FAQs

What is cystoid macular edema?

Cystoid macular edema is a common condition that involves swelling in the macula, the center part of the vision that allows objects to be seen with great detail. This swelling occurs as fluid builds up in the layers of the macula, gradually blurring vision. ...

Diabetic Eye Disease

Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing eye conditions as a complication their disease. Over 40 percent of patients diagnosed with diabetes develop some form of eye disease as a result of their disease. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease and the primary cause of blindness in the United States. ...

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. The length of time a person has diabetes determines his or her likelihood of developing diabetic retinopathy. It is the most common diabetic eye complication, and a leading cause of blindness in American adults. Diabetic retinopathy causes the blood vessels that supply nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye where vision is focused, to weaken, swell and leak, causing a loss of vision. ...

Digital Retinal Imaging

Digital retinal imaging is an advanced diagnostic tool that is used to effectively detect and diagnose a wide range of abnormalities within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye.

The highly magnified images can be used to evaluate the health of parts of the eye that include the following: ...

Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane, also known as a macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula is the area of the retina that provides clear, sharp central vision.

Causes of an Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane often develops as part of the natural aging process. The vitreous gel, which makes up most of the eye's volume, begins to thin and pull away from the retina. As a result, damage is caused to the retina and leads to the formation of scar tissue on the retina. When the scar tissue contracts, the retina wrinkles, or puckers, causing blurry or distorted central vision. ...

Eye Anatomy

The eye is a complex organ that works much like a camera, focusing light rays and forming an image. On the surface of the eye is the cornea, a thin, clear layer of tissue that provides a window for light to pass through. In a healthy eye, the cornea bends or refracts light rays so they focus precisely on the retina in the back of the eye. ...

Flashes and Floaters

Flashes and floaters of the eye are usually the result of age-related changes to the vitreous, which is the thick gel firmly attached to the retina from birth. During the aging process, however, the vitreous becomes thinner and more watery, and at some point pulls away from the retina. This is known as a posterior vitreous separation or detachment (PVD). During PVD, tissue debris that was once secure in the firm vitreous gel loosens and moves around, casting shadows on the retina. ...

Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the blood vessels in the following parts of the eye:

• Retina
• Choroid
• Optic disc
• Iris

Reasons for a Fluorescein Angiography

The fluorescein angiography provides doctors with information about the retina. It can also be used to provide information as to the status of current treatments. A fluorescein angiography helps to diagnose and track problems such as: ...

Focal Macular Grid Treatment

People with diabetes are at risk of developing several kinds of diabetic eye diseases. One of these is macular edema, which is often asymptomatic until vision loss starts to occur. Leaking blood vessels within the retina will seep into the center of the macula, causing inflammation due to the accumulation of fluid. ...

Foresee PHP®

Foresee PHP®, or Foresee Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter, is a visual field analyzer used to detect and monitor the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a common eye condition that presents the most serious threat of visual impairment to the aging population. Foresee PHP represents an important step forward in the early detection and treatment of this dangerous disease. It is the only device that has been FDA-approved to measure macular function and assess the advancement of AMD during its earliest stages, when it may progress from its intermediate, dry stage to its more serious wet (choroidal neovascularization or CNV) stage. ...

Hypertensive Retinopathy

The retina is the layer of tissue that converts light and images into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The retina is located at the back part of the eye. Patients with high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing hypertensive retinopathy, damage to the retina from high blood pressure. ...

MACUGEN®

MACUGEN® treatment, also known as pegaptanib sodium injection, is used to treat patients with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. MACUGEN treatment helps to preserve vision by slowing neovascularization, a process where tiny, abnormal blood vessels develop in the eye. During the MACUGEN treatment, injections are administered directly into the eye to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels and to slow vision loss. In the case of AMD, such vessels leak into the macula, a highly pigmented spot near the center of the retina, affecting a patients central vision. ...

Macular Degeneration

Types of Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration can be classified as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Dry macular degeneration is the more common diagnosis, and is considered to be an early stage of the disease. This form of the disorder usually develops as the macular tissues thin during aging. Deposits of pigment within the macula may also occur. ...

Macular Hole

A macular hole is a hole in the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula contains light-sensitive cells which provide clear, sharp central vision. Specifically, the hole or defect occurs in the fovea, the center of the macula and the most delicate part of the entire retina. ...

Macular Pucker

A macular pucker, also known as an epiretinal membrane, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms over the macula, the sensitive part of the retina that is located at the back of the eye. The macula is the area of the retina that provides clear, sharp central vision.

Causes of a Macular Pucker

Macular puckers often develop on their own as a part of the natural aging process. Particles that have drifted into the vitreous (the gel that fills the eye) settle onto the macula and begin to obscure vision. Membranes may also result from eye conditions or diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, inflammation, injury or vascular conditions. These are called secondary epiretinal membranes, whereas spontaneously formed membranes are called idiopathic. ...

Panretinal Photocoagulation

Panretinal photocoagulation, also known as PRP or scatter laser treatment, is a minimally invasive laser procedure used to seal or destroy leaking blood vessels on the retina. This method of treatment is effective in shrinking and preventing the growth of new blood vessels around the retina. In addition, a panretinal photocoagulation may reduce the occurrence of vitreous bleeding or retinal distortion in those patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an advanced stage of diabetic eye disease. ...

Retinal Complications of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed surgical procedures. There is a risk of complication for any type of surgery, including cataract surgery, even when performed by the most skilled and competent surgeon.

Complications of cataract surgery while considered rare, may include the following: ...

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina of the eye is pulled away from the underlying tissue to which it is attached. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated. In most cases, the detachment is a slowly progressing issue which must be treated once symptoms are realized. In some cases, a detachment occurs due to a trauma which causes a tear in the retina, allowing fluid to enter the vitreous and pull on the retinal tissue. ...

Retinal Implant

One of the many causes of blindness is an inherited disease of the retina known as retinitis pigmentosa another is age-related macular degeneration. Clinical trials are being conducted, in collaboration with the United States Department of Energy's (DOE) Artificial Retina Project, six DOE national laboratories, four research universities and private industry to create a retinal prosthesis to restore visual ability in those patients with these two conditions. ...

Retinal Laser Photocoagulation

During laser photocoagulation, a laser beam is directed to the blood vessels that are leaking on the retina. The laser creates scar tissue around the area that slows the growth of any new or abnormal blood vessels. While it is unable to restore vision that has already been lost, laser photocoagulation can reduce the risk of vision loss, a major complication of retinal diseases. ...

Retinal Tear

The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye. It is attached to the vitreous, the gel-like substance that gives the eye most of its volume. As a result of the aging process, the vitreous thins and its shape changes, sometimes causing it to pull away from the retina. This separation, known as posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), is a normal part of aging, but it can result in a retinal tear. Without treatment, retinal tears can cause retinal detachment that may result in blindness, so it is important for adults older than 50 to be vigilant about getting regular eye examinations. ...

Retinal Vein Occlusion

The retina is a thin sheet of nerve tissue located in the back of the eye where light rays are focused and transmitted to the brain. Tiny blood vessels supply the retina with oxygen and other nutrients. Arteries deliver blood and the retinal veins carry it. Sometimes one of these arteries hardens or swells and presses on a nearby vein. The vein can then become blocked, or occluded, making it difficult for blood to leave the eye. This condition is called a retinal vein occlusion, or RVO. A retinal vein occlusion is also known as venous stasis retinopathy or hemorrhagic retinopathy. The blocked circulation caused by a retinal vein occlusion can lead to: ...

Retinavites%u2122 Supplements

Retinavites%u2122 antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplements are designed to help people suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the primary cause of significant vision loss in people aged 60 and older. Retinavites supplements contain ingredients that have been shown to slow the progression of AMD. ...

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic disorder that causes the rod and cone cells of the retina to deteriorate. Retinitis pigmentosa is a member of a group of inherited retinal diseases that is characterized by a loss of visual field, night blindness and color perception. This condition is caused by a genetic mutation that runs in families and is not caused by environmental factors, trauma or infection. Retinitis pigmentosa is not preventable. ...

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), also known as Terry syndrome or retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is the abnormal growth of blood vessels and scar tissue on the retinas of a premature baby. The growth of these blood vessels can cause the retina to detach from the eye resulting in vision impairment or blindness. Retinal blood vessels are usually developed by the time of birth or shortly thereafter. A premature birth interrupts the development process resulting in the lack of oxygen and nutrients reaching the retina. As a result, blood vessels begin to grow abnormally to supplement the needs of the retina. ...