Welcome to The Retina Institute
Many ocular diseases involve the retina, causing or contributing to visual loss. Retinal abnormalities may be associated with nearsightedness (myopia), injury, diabetes, and aging. Left untreated, some conditions such as a retinal detachment commonly produce progressive loss of vision and could ultimately result in complete blindness.
Fortunately, major advances in the last 25 years have resulted in successful treatment options for many retinal diseases. With careful review of medical history, detailed examination of the eye and special testing, the cause for the problem can be determined. Treatment for diseases of the retina and vitreous may include drops, pills, injections, laser or freezing treatments. More extensive surgery may be performed in a hospital operating room or out-patient center. Nearly all surgeries are done on an out-patient basis and rarely require hospitalization. Even for major surgery, hospital stays are usually only one or two days.
Our Specialty
The Retina Institute specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina, vitreous and macula. The core of the practice was founded by Dr. Paul Cibis in the mid-1960s. Known for its high standard of patient care, The Retina Institute is one of the premier retina groups in the country.
With offices throughout Missouri and Illinois, the physicians of The Retina Institute are dedicated professionals committed to serving our patients, their families and the doctors who refer to our practice. Using the most modern technology, we provide world-class expertise in the diagnosis, surgery and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases.
Anatomy of the eye
The retina is composed of several layers of delicate tissue that line the back of the eye. It receives light and transmits signals to the brain. These messages get converted into visual images.
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.
The optic nerve carries the signals from the retina to the brain by transferring visual information through electrical pulses.
The vitreous is the jelly-like substance that fills the center part of the eye.
The choroid is the layer that holds blood vessels that feed the retina.
The cornea is a clear front cover of the eye.
The sclera is the white outer layer of the eye.
The iris is the colored part of the eye. It controls the amount of light that enters the eye.
The pupil is the opening in the iris where light comes through the eye.
The lens is the transparent tissue that helps brings light into focus on the retina.