Retina Conditions Treatment in St. George, UT

When our physicians at Richens Eye Center consult with a patient complaining of decreased central vision, unfortunately, it is often a result of damage to their retina. When the retina is affected, it can disrupt how the eye processes visual detail and color, leading to noticeable vision changes.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a retina condition or are experiencing any signs of retina problems, contact us right away to see one of our board-certified ophthalmologists and retina specialists, Dr. Akbar Shakoor and Dr. Will Wagner. They bring the latest knowledge, technology, techniques, and eye care to our patients in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada.

The retina is a thin, delicate layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and plays a central role in how you see the world. It contains specialized light‑sensitive cells, known as rods and cones, that detect light, color, and detail. When light enters the eye, these cells convert visual information into neural signals that travel through the optic nerve to the brain, allowing images to be processed and interpreted.

Because the retina is responsible for central vision, color perception, and visual clarity, even subtle changes or damage can affect how well you see. Problems within the retina can interfere with how light is processed and transmitted, which may lead to blurred vision, distortion, or vision loss. This is why early evaluation and specialized care are essential when retinal changes are suspected.

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Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 and older. Macular degeneration, also referred to as AMD or age-related macular degeneration, is caused when damage or deterioration occurs to the macula, which is located in the center of the retina and is responsible for detailed, central vision. Though the disease is more common in people over 60, it’s possible to develop symptoms as young as age 40.

Common symptoms include blurry vision and/or straight objects appearing wavy. Small blind spots may also appear in a person’s central vision.

If you’ve been diagnosed with macular degeneration or have a family history of the condition, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our team to begin monitoring and exploring the most effective treatment plan for your needs. 

While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatment options can help slow its progression and preserve your vision:

• For dry AMD, management may include nutritional supplements (AREDS2 vitamins), lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring to track changes in the retina. 
• For wet AMD, which progresses more rapidly, treatment often involves intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medications to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid buildup.
• In some cases, laser therapy or photodynamic therapy may also be recommended depending on the severity and progression of the disease. 

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When the retina detaches from the supportive tissue in the back of the eye, this is a very serious condition called retinal detachment. If it is not treated immediately, it can result in rapid and even permanent vision loss. 

This disease primarily affects those in their 40s and over, but retinal detachment can present itself in anyone who has suffered from eye disease, extreme myopia (nearsightedness), an eye injury, or complications following eye surgery.

Retinal detachment symptoms may include flashes of light, floaters, seeing spots, or decreased peripheral vision. Our ophthalmologists and specialized retinal surgeons can treat retinal detachment and possibly save your eyesight.

Retinal detachment typically requires surgical repair to prevent permanent vision loss. Depending on the type and severity, treatment may involve pneumatic retinopexy (using a gas bubble to reposition the retina), scleral buckle surgery, or vitrectomy to remove the vitreous gel and relieve traction. These procedures are designed to reattach the retina and stabilize vision. 

Diabetic retinopathy is another leading cause of blindness for adults in the U.S. It is only increasing due to the spike in diabetes diagnoses. This is a complication of diabetes that occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye.

Diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms in the early stages, but vision loss can be treated and blindness prevented with regular annual comprehensive eye exams. It’s very important for diabetics of all ages to pay attention to any changes in vision, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and see an ophthalmologist at least once a year. 

The ophthalmologists at Richens Eye Center consistently work with patients suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes in order to preserve sight and monitor the possibility of diabetic retinopathy.

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy depends on the stage of the disease and how much it affects vision. Early cases may be managed with careful monitoring and blood sugar control, while more advanced disease often requires targeted treatment to prevent vision loss. 

Common options include intravitreal injections to reduce retinal swelling, laser therapy to seal leaking blood vessels, and, in some cases, vitrectomy surgery to remove blood or scar tissue.

At Richens Eye Center, patients benefit from the specialized expertise of Dr. Will Wagner, a full-time retina specialist with advanced fellowship training in medical retina from the Cleveland Clinic. Board-certified in ophthalmology, Dr. Wagner focuses on treating macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other retinal conditions using the most current diagnostic and medical techniques. With a strong academic foundation that includes honors from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and a background in exercise science from BYU, Dr. Wagner brings a well-rounded approach to every patient he sees.

Dr. Akbar Shakoor, a board-certified ophthalmologist and associate professor at the John A. Moran Eye Center in Salt Lake City, sees patients at Richens Eye Center twice a month. His expertise spans both medical and surgical treatment of retinal and vitreous disorders, including macular degeneration, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and complex inflammatory eye diseases. With fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery, uveitis, cornea, and external disease from top programs like the University of Utah and UCSF’s Proctor Foundation, Dr. Shakoor offers a level of sub-specialized care that few in the region can match. 

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Richens Eye Center proudly provides patients in St. George, UT, and Mesquite, NV, with treatment for retinal conditions. Contact us at any of our three locations: 

• St. George Downtown & Mesquite Locations: 435-986-2020
• St. George Sunset Location: 435-628-1112