Retinal Research

Retinal research explores novel approaches to addressing some of the most serious eye conditions.

Retinal disease represents some of the most serious and pervasive eye conditions in the United States. Many of these conditions are degenerative and cause visual impairment and blindness. Retinal research focuses on the most effective ways to detect, diagnose, prevent and treat these conditions.

Comprehensive retinal research

Our research physicians and staff are actively involved in all areas of retinal research, including basic retinal disease research that studies molecular mechanisms and new treatment strategies to disrupt the pathogenic process. Our clinical retinal disease research focuses on every major retinal condition, including:

• Diabetic macular edema: A condition that occurs when retinal blood vessels leak and cause the macula (the center of the retina and the area of central vision) to swell
• Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that results from abnormal blood vessels growing into the retina and in the vitreous fluid
• Macular degeneration: A disease caused by deterioration of the light-sensitive cells in the macula or an accumulation of fluid leaking under the retina that causes the macula to swell
• Retinal detachment: An emergency condition that occurs when the retina begins to separate from its supporting tissues
• Retinal vein occlusion: A condition that results when one of the retinal veins becomes blocked
• Retinitis pigmentosa: An eye disease in which the light-sensitive cells of the retina degenerate, resulting in vision loss and eventually blindness

Advanced treatment for retinal disease

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology has extensive experience in the treatment of all retinal diseases, regardless of their complexity. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it. Our patients have access to advanced diagnostic tests and treatment and, if eligible, related clinical trials.