CES Medical
About Us
Why CES MedicalMeet the TeamPatient Reviews
NHS Services
Anterior Eye ConditionsCataract and Lens Related ConditionsNon Urgent Vitreo-Retinal ConditionsDry and Wet AMDDiabetic Eye DiseaseMedical RetinaGlaucomaEyelid Lesions and Malpositions
Private Services
Cataract SurgeryYAG Laser CapsulotomySelective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)Intravitreal (IVT) InjectionsIntense Pulsed Light (IPL) TreatmentOculoplastic procedures
Locations
ChathamHeadcornTunbridge WellsPantilesRainham
Company
NewsCareer & RecruitmentResearchESG

NHS Patients

How to access CES Medical

To access CES Medical, please ask your Optician to refer you using REGO or your GP using ERS.

NHS appointments cannot be booked online.

Private Patients

Book a private appointment
01732 757771private@cesmedical.co.uk
01622 585828
01634 963222
01892 320323
017327 56789

For life-threatening emergencies, please call 999 or visit your nearest A&E department.

Clinical retinal imaging equipment and specialist care setting

NHS Services

Non-Urgent Vitreo-Retinal Conditions

Specialist care for conditions affecting the vitreous and retina

View All NHS Services

01

Understanding
Vitreo-Retinal
Conditions

The vitreous is the clear, gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye, and the retina is the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. Together, these structures play a critical role in vision. Vitreo-retinal conditions encompass a range of disorders that affect the vitreous, the retina, or the interface between them.

While some vitreo-retinal conditions require urgent treatment, many are non-urgent and can be managed through careful monitoring and planned intervention. At CES Medical, our NHS vitreo-retinal service provides expert assessment and management of non-urgent conditions, ensuring patients receive timely specialist care from experienced consultants.

02

Conditions We Manage

Vitreous Floaters

Floaters appear as small dark spots, threads, or cobweb-like shapes that drift across your field of vision. They are caused by tiny clumps of cells or protein within the vitreous gel casting shadows on the retina. Floaters are extremely common, particularly in people over the age of 60, and in the vast majority of cases they are harmless. However, a sudden increase in floaters - especially if accompanied by flashing lights or a shadow across your vision - can indicate a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or, more rarely, a retinal tear, and should be assessed promptly.

Epiretinal Membrane

Also known as macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy, this is a condition in which a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the surface of the macula - the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. An epiretinal membrane can cause distortion of central vision, making straight lines appear wavy, and may also cause mild blurring. Many epiretinal membranes are mild and require only monitoring, but if the membrane is significantly affecting your vision, your consultant may recommend a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy to carefully peel the membrane away.

Macular Hole

A macular hole is a small break in the macula that causes a gap in your central vision. Macular holes most commonly develop in people over the age of 60 and are more common in women. Symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision and difficulty with tasks such as reading or recognising faces. Most macular holes require surgical repair through a vitrectomy procedure, during which the vitreous gel is removed and a gas bubble is placed inside the eye to help the hole close. Patients typically need to maintain a face-down position for a period after surgery.

Vitreomacular Traction

This occurs when the vitreous gel, which naturally shrinks with age, remains abnormally attached to the macula and pulls on it. This traction can distort the macula and affect central vision. In some cases, vitreomacular traction resolves spontaneously as the vitreous eventually separates. In other cases, surgical intervention may be required to release the traction and protect the macula.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) occurs when a vein carrying blood away from the retina becomes blocked, causing swelling and bleeding within the retina. This can lead to a sudden or gradual reduction in vision. Treatment may include monitoring, intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medication to reduce swelling, or laser treatment.

03

How Are Vitreo-Retinal Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive eye examination, including a detailed assessment of the retina using a slit-lamp biomicroscope and specialised lenses. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a key diagnostic tool that produces high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, allowing your consultant to visualise the layers of the retina in extraordinary detail and identify conditions such as epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and vitreomacular traction.

In some cases, a fluorescein angiography may be performed, in which a dye is injected into a vein in your arm and photographs are taken as the dye passes through the blood vessels in your retina, helping to identify areas of leakage or poor blood flow.

Treatment Options

Treatment for vitreo-retinal conditions depends on the specific diagnosis and the severity of the condition. Many conditions, such as mild floaters or early epiretinal membranes, require only regular monitoring with OCT scans to track any changes.

Intravitreal Injections

Anti-VEGF medication to reduce swelling and leakage in conditions such as retinal vein occlusion.

Laser Treatment

To seal retinal tears or treat areas of poor blood flow, preventing further complications.

Vitrectomy Surgery

For conditions such as macular holes, significant epiretinal membranes, or vitreous haemorrhage.

Your consultant will discuss all available options with you and recommend the approach that offers the best outcome for your individual situation.

Your NHS Referral
Pathway

Non-urgent vitreo-retinal conditions are typically identified during routine eye examinations by your optometrist or during assessment for other eye conditions. Your optometrist or GP can refer you directly to CES Medical's NHS vitreo-retinal service. Once referred, we will arrange an appointment at one of our clinics for a comprehensive assessment.

04

Frequently Asked
Questions

Are floaters dangerous?

+

Most floaters are harmless, but a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow needs urgent assessment.

What is a vitrectomy?

+

A vitrectomy is an operation that removes the vitreous gel to treat conditions such as macular holes, epiretinal membranes, or vitreous haemorrhage.

How long does recovery take after vitreo-retinal surgery?

+

Recovery varies by procedure, but many patients notice gradual improvement over several weeks. Your consultant will give specific guidance for your case.

Will my vision return to normal after treatment?

+

Outcomes depend on the diagnosis and how advanced the condition is. Many patients improve, but full recovery is not always possible in every case.

Can vitreo-retinal conditions affect both eyes?

+

Some conditions can affect one eye only, while others may involve both eyes over time, so regular monitoring is important.

Expert Vitreo-Retinal Care

To access CES Medical, please ask your Optician to refer you using REGO or your GP using ERS

Our Locations

CES Medical - Chatham

Kent

CES Medical - Headcorn

Kent

CES Medical - Tunbridge Wells

Kent