If you’re searching for a retina specialist in Central Virginia or wondering who treats retinal diseases in Lynchburg, VA, it’s important to see a physician who has completed advanced fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. At Piedmont Eye Center, Golnaz Javey, MD is the only fellowship-trained retina specialist serving in Lynchburg and the surrounding Central Virginia area. She specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the retina—that delicate, light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that is essential for vision. Whether you’ve been referred by your local optometrist, your primary care doctor, or you’re experiencing sudden vision changes, quick evaluation by a retina specialist can make a significant difference in protecting your sight.
What Is a Retina Specialist?
A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who completes several additional years of fellowship training focused specifically on diseases of the retina, macula, and vitreous. Because retinal diseases are often complex and can threaten vision, they require specialized expertise, advanced diagnostic technology, and treatments that general eye doctors may not provide. Retina specialists work closely with comprehensive ophthalmologists and optometrists to ensure patients receive the highest level of care when retinal issues are suspected.
When Should You See a Retina Specialist?
You may be referred to a retina specialist if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashes of light
- New floaters
- A curtain or shadow over part of your vision
- Distorted or wavy vision
- Blurred central vision
- Vision changes related to diabetes
- Bleeding inside the eye
- Macular swelling
Many retinal conditions develop gradually with few symptoms at first, making routine eye exams important for early detection.
Conditions a Retina Specialist Treats
Retina specialists diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions, including:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the central portion of the retina, called the macula, and is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over age 50. Early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels within the retina, leading to vision loss if left untreated. Regular diabetic eye exams are essential for protecting your sight.
Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachments
A retinal tear can progress to a retinal detachment, which is considered an eye emergency. Symptoms such as sudden flashes, floaters, or a curtain over your vision should never be ignored.
Macular Hole
A macular hole can cause blurred or distorted central vision and often requires specialized retinal surgery.
Macular Pucker (Epiretinal Membrane)
Scar tissue on the retina can wrinkle the macula, causing distortion or blurred vision.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Sometimes called an eye stroke, this condition occurs when blood flow through a retinal vein becomes blocked, leading to swelling and vision loss.
Retinal Artery Occlusion
A blockage of blood flow to the retina that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Vitreous Hemorrhage
Bleeding inside the eye can occur due to diabetes, retinal tears, trauma, or other retinal diseases.
Central Serous Retinopathy
Fluid builds beneath the retina, causing blurred or distorted vision, often affecting younger and middle-aged adults.
Inherited Retinal Diseases
Some patients require evaluation and long-term management for inherited retinal disorders that affect vision over time.
At Piedmont Eye Center, Golnaz Javey, MD provides comprehensive medical and surgical retinal care for patients throughout Lynchburg, Forest, Bedford, Amherst, Appomattox, Altavista, Madison Heights, Farmville, Danville, and surrounding Central Virginia communities. Dr. Javey specializes in diagnosing and treating complex retinal diseases using advanced imaging, intravitreal injections, laser treatments, and retinal surgery when appropriate. She works closely with referring optometrists and ophthalmologists to ensure patients receive timely, coordinated care. If you notice sudden vision changes, don’t wait to see if they improve on their own. Prompt evaluation can be the difference between saving and losing vision.
Your vision is too important to wait. If you have concerns about your retina, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Golnaz Javey, Lynchburg’s only retina specialist, today.