American Society of Retina Specialists

09/09/2026

What does a macular hole look like?

A macular hole is a small break in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, detailed central vision needed for activities like reading and driving. Symptoms can include blurred or distorted vision or a dark spot in the center of your vision.

Learn more about this condition, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, when you download the ASRS Retina Health Series fact sheet on macular holes, available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Large Print https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/4/macular-hole.

Image: Traumatic Macular Hole. ASRS Retina Image Bank®, Image 2858.

09/03/2026

What does it take to become a retina specialist?

Years of medical education and specialized training prepare retina specialists to diagnose and treat complex diseases of the retina, macula and vitreous and perform delicate, sight-saving surgery.

Learn more about who retina specialists are, the conditions they treat, and how they help patients preserve their vision.

Download the What Is a Retina Specialist? patient guide, available in English and Spanish: https://www.asrs.org/patients/patient-education-materials.

09/01/2026

Have an upcoming appointment with a retina specialist? A little preparation can help you make the most of your visit.

Our Preparing for Your Retina Appointment guide offers helpful tips on what to bring, what to expect, and questions you may want to ask your retina specialist.

The guide is available in English and Spanish. Download and share it with family and friends today.

Learn more: https://www.asrs.org/patients/patient-education-materials

08/26/2026

What happens inside the eye when a retinal detachment occurs?

A retinal detachment happens when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, separates from the back wall of the eye. Watch to see what happens when the retina detaches and why prompt treatment is so important.

Symptoms can include sudden flashes of light, new floaters, or a shadow or curtain across your vision. If you experience these symptoms, seek care right away.

Learn more about the symptoms, risk factors and treatment of retinal detachment in our Retina Health Series fact sheet: https://www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/6/retinal-detachment

08/25/2026

DYK? Retina specialists are among the most extensively trained and highly skilled eye care providers, having completed up to 10 years of advanced medical training to specialize in ophthalmology and sub-specialize in diseases and surgery of the retina.

To learn even more, watch and share our informational video: “Retina Specialists: Helping You See for a Lifetime.”

The video features three patients facing common retinal conditions whose lives have been changed and vision preserved because of the unique care provided by their retina specialist.

It also covers everything you ever wanted to know about retinas and retina specialists, including:
• How the retina makes sight possible
• What conditions retina specialists treat
• The breadth and depth of a retina specialist’s education, training, and surgical experience
• The importance of seeking out a retina specialist to preserve vision and prevent blindness

Watch now and share with others who might someday need the expert care retina specialists provide.

https://youtu.be/bAjvBGCAoTo?si=YG3kbTdzqBAfNW1C

Learn more at www.SeeforaLifetime.org.

08/18/2026

Have questions about age-related macular degeneration (AMD)? ASRS retina specialists have answers.

ASRS spokespeople recently shared their expertise with WebMD, answering common questions about AMD, including symptoms and diagnosis, risk factors, disease progression, and treatment.

Explore the WebMD AMD Q&A and hear directly from retina specialists about what patients and families should know: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/cm/qac/toc-amd

08/13/2026

Yesterday’s solar eclipse was an incredible celestial event viewed by millions around the world.

ASRS Communications Committee Chair James Major, MD, PhD, spoke with Newsweek about how to safely view a solar eclipse and the retinal damage that can occur when an eclipse is viewed without proper precautions or eye protection.

Did you view yesterday’s eclipse and are experiencing blurry central vision or other vision changes today? See a retina specialist right away.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/health-warning-solar-eclipse-watch-safely-without-glasses-12314155

Learn more about solar retinopathy at ASRS.org/SolarRetinopathy.

Health and space experts are warning that even a brief glance at the event without proper protection could cause permanent damage.

08/12/2026

Today is the day. Nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide could see at least part of today’s solar eclipse, weather permitting.

The path of totality will cross Greenland and Iceland before sweeping across Spain and a small part of Portugal. A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwest Africa, most of Canada and part of the northern United States.

If you plan to look up, protect your eyes. Viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can damage the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye, potentially causing permanent blurred vision or blind spots. This damage is known as solar retinopathy.

Use proper eclipse-viewing glasses or other approved viewing methods like pinhole projection. Regular sunglasses are not enough.

If you experience vision changes during or after viewing the eclipse, seek immediate care from an eye physician, such as an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.

Learn more about solar retinopathy and safe eclipse viewing: ASRS.org/SolarRetinopathy

08/10/2026

People in Iceland, Greenland, northern Russia, Spain, and a part of Portugal will see a total eclipse on Wednesday, August 12. A total solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, fully blocking the Sun's face. A partial eclipse will be visible in northern parts of the United States.

Viewing an eclipse can be an awe-inspiring event. Still, retina specialists warn the public that proper precautions, including wearing specialized eye protection, should be taken to safeguard sight from harmful solar radiation.
To learn more about how to safely view a solar eclipse and protect your vision, visit www.asrs.org/SolarRetinopathy.

Should you experience vision changes during or following the viewing of an eclipse, seek immediate consultation with an eye physician, such as an ophthalmologist or retina specialist.

Solar retinopathy can cause a burn and a permanent blind spot that interferes with activities like reading. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey G. Gross, MD, FASRS

08/04/2026

Flashes. Floaters. A dark curtain in your vision?
These may be warning signs of retinal detachment — a sight-threatening emergency.

▶️ Watch Rich’s story and learn why seeing a retina specialist quickly can save sight.

Retina specialists are physicians and surgeons who treat diseases of the retina.