Windy City Retina - Ankit Desai, MD

Floaters in your vision can be a common annoyance as you age. However, for some, they may indicate a more serious condition. If you notice an increase in floaters, especially large ones that affect your ability to drive or read, one treatment option is vitrectomy surgery. The vitreous gel, a clear, jelly-like substance, fills the center of the eye and helps maintain its shape while providing some nourishment to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. As we age, the vitreous may shrink and pull away from the retina, sometimes causing floaters. Vitrectomy surgery is a routine procedure where the vitreous gel is removed from the eye. This surgery is also used for repairing a detached retina or removing foreign objects from the eye. During vitrectomy surgery, the surgeon makes small incisions in the white of the eye to insert tiny instruments. The vitreous gel is removed and replaced with a saline solution, gas, or sterile air. The procedure typically takes about an ...

Retinal detachment is a severe eye condition that, if left untreated, can lead to blindness. It occurs when the retina becomes separated from the underlying tissue. This can happen for several reasons, including injury, surgery, or age-related changes. If you experience any early signs and symptoms of retinal detachment, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. We will discuss the most common symptoms of retinal detachment as well as treatment options. What is Retinal Detachment, and What are the Symptoms? The retina is a thin layer located at the back of the eye. When it separates from its normal position, this is called retinal detachment. This can cause blurred or distorted vision, floaters, or spots in your vision, flashes of light in one eye, shadows, missing areas in your peripheral vision, and sudden or gradual loss of sight. Causes of Retinal Detachment While aging, trauma, and surgery on the eye are often cited as significant factors in the condition, sometimes t...

At Windy City Retina, we're dedicated to ensuring your vision stays crystal clear, especially in the workplace.  Did you know? Many jobs involve prolonged screen time, which can strain your eyes. It's crucial to prioritize eye health to prevent discomfort and potential long-term issues. Here's how you can benefit from Workplace Eye Wellness Month: 1) Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to catch any issues early on. 2️) Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and look at something 20 feet away. 3️) Adjust your workstation ergonomics to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Employers, promoting eye wellness in the workplace boosts productivity and reduces absenteeism. Let's prioritize our employees' vision and health together! Share this post to spread awareness and encourage your colleagues to prioritize their eye health this March!

A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that treats problems with the retina, the innermost layer of the eye. The retina is a sensitive sheet of tissue that lines the inside of your eye and sends visual signals to your brain. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon removes some or all the clear gel that fills the center of your eye. Vitrectomy Can be Used to Treat Several Serious Eye Conditions, Including: • Retinal detachment happens when the retina disconnects from the back wall of your eye. Retinal detachments can cause blindness if not treated promptly. • Diabetic retinopathy appears when high blood sugar levels damage small vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood and swell. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in adults. Sometimes, the surgeon will perform a vitrectomy with another surgery, such as cataract surgery. The surgery, performed under local anesthesia to numb the area around your eye, takes about one to two hours. During a vitrectomy, your surgeon ...

Various factors can cause retinal swelling and bleeding, including diabetes, hypertension, and retinal detachment. Laser retinopexy, an in-office surgical procedure performed by a retinal surgeon, uses laser energy to seal torn retinas or gently heat vessels to prevent further bleeding and swelling. Retinal surgeons have been performing laser retinopexy for many years, considering it a safe and effective treatment for various retina problems. Retinal tears or breaks can be detected during a comprehensive eye examination. If you have a retinal tear, your eye care professional may recommend laser surgery to prevent it from worsening and causing a detached retina. Laser retinopexy is also useful in treating small areas of bleeding in the retina not associated with tears or breaks, a procedure known as focal photocoagulation. During laser retinopexy, your retinal surgeon will administer numbing drops to your eye. You'll be awake during the procedure but should not feel discomfort. A un...

November is pointed to as a crucial time in the American health calendar – diabetic eye disease awareness month. The month of November is dedicated to shedding light on the often-overlooked connection between diabetes and vision health. Let us dive into this important topic to understand diabetic eye disease and the proactive steps that should be taken to preserve our vision. Understanding Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetic Eye Disease encompasses a group of eye conditions that people with diabetes may face. These conditions include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, cataracts, and glaucoma. Diabetes, a condition that affects how the body uses blood sugar, can lead to changes in the blood vessels of the retina, impacting vision over time. The Silent Threat to Vision: One of the worst things associated with Diabetic Eye Disease is that it often develops without showing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular eye check-ups become crucial for early detection and interventi...

Histoplasmosis of the eye is a medical condition that occurs when the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum infects the eye. This condition is often a result of inhaling the spores of the fungus, which can be found in soil, especially in areas with bird or bat droppings. While histoplasmosis primarily affects the lungs, it can disseminate to other parts of the body, including the eyes. Symptoms: Histoplasmosis of the eye can lead to various ocular symptoms, including: Choroiditis: Choroiditis is the most common manifestation of ocular histoplasmosis. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, scotomas (blind spots), and decreased central vision. Retinal Scarring: As the infection progresses, it can lead to the formation of scars in the retina, which can further impair vision. Macular Edema: Some individuals with histoplasmosis may develop macular edema, which is the accumulation of fluid in the macula, leading to central vision distortion. Diagnosis: Diagnosing histoplasmosis of the eye typi...

Halloween is just around the corner, and many of us are excited to transform into spooky creatures, superheroes, or our favorite characters for a night of fun and trick-or-treating. While Halloween is all about having a blast, it's crucial to ensure that your vision remains safe and sound throughout the festivities. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some essential safety tips for maintaining spooktacular vision on Halloween night. 1. Choose the Right Costume Accessories Costume accessories can add a lot of flair to your Halloween outfit, but some of them can also pose risks to your eyes. Be cautious when selecting accessories like masks, colored contact lenses, and costume makeup. Make sure they are safe and do not obstruct your vision. Opt for costumes with clear vision masks or face paint instead of masks that limit your field of view. If you decide to wear costume contact lenses, make sure to get them from a reputable source and follow proper hygiene and usage instru...

The world of medicine is filled with remarkable specialties, each dedicated to preserving and enhancing a specific aspect of our health. One such field that often goes under the radar but plays a crucial role in maintaining our precious gift of sight is Vitreoretinal Surgery. In this blog post, we delve into the realm of Vitreoretinal Surgery Awareness, shedding light on its significance, procedures, and the experts who make it possible. The Importance of Vitreoretinal Surgery Imagine a delicate network of tissues at the back of your eye, responsible for capturing light and transmitting visual information to your brain. This intricate structure is known as the retina, and when it encounters issues, the consequences can be devastating for one's vision. This is where vitreoretinal surgery comes into play. Vitreoretinal surgery is a specialized branch of ophthalmology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the vitreous humor and retina. These conditions, i...

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on the importance of maintaining your eye health as you grow older. At Windy City Retina, your trusted retina center in Plainfield, Illinois, we are dedicated to helping you preserve your vision and eye health throughout the aging process. Why Eye Health Matters as You Age As we age, our eyes go through various changes. Some common age-related eye conditions include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. These conditions can affect your vision and quality of life, but early detection and proper eye care can make a significant difference. Our Commitment to Your Eye Health At Windy City Retina , we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases and disorders. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists and retina specialists is here to provide you with the highest level of care and expertise. We offer a range of services to address age-related eye conditions, including: Retinal Examinations: Regu...

  Lattice degeneration is an eye condition characterized by abnormal thinning of the outer edges of the retina. If you want to see things clearly, then you must have healthy retina. Due to thinning of retina it get more susceptible to developing retinal tears, breaks, or holes, which can potentially lead to a serious condition known as retinal detachment. Once anyone diagnose with lattice degeneration, it is essential to keep close eye to monitor this condition.  Causes & Risk Factors: a) Genetic Predisposition b) Myopia (Nearsightedness) c) Aging d) Connective Tissue Disorders  e) Eye Trauma   f) Retinal Detachments in the Contralateral Eye  Symptoms of Lattice degeneration: a) Blurred Vision b) Flashing Lights c) Floaters Curtain obscuring part of your peripheral visual field If you experience any of these, seek prompt ophthalmic care.  Potential complications and conditions associated with Lattice degeneration: a) Myopia (Nearsightedness): b) Re...

The thinning of the retina that can happen over time is known as Lattice degeneration. Approximately 10 out of 100 people have lattice degeneration. An individual requires a healthy retina for clear vision, yet many people with this condition remain symptom-free without any impact on their vision. However, in some cases, lattice degeneration can lead to retinal detachment. As the condition of retinal detachment can cause vision loss, those with lattice degeneration need regular eye exams. What Causes Lattice Degeneration? According to experts, the exact cause of lattice degeneration is not sure. However, they have found that certain people are more adaptive to the risk of developing the condition. It is considered that lattice degeneration is not always inherited, but it does run in some families. Lattice Degeneration is also more common in people with: •      Myopia (nearsightedness) •      Certain diseases like Stickler syndrome and Marfan syndrome. Sympt...

Macular Degeneration is an eye disease that affects vision and if not treated properly can lead to vision loss also. It affects the macula which provides sharpness and detailing to the central vision. This disease is common in people over 60 years of age; it can occur at any age. There are two types of macular degeneration 1. Dry macular degeneration – This condition happens because of the build-up of drusen under the retina, drusen is a cellular waste material. The build-up of drusen results in the breaking down of the macula which creates a blurry or blind spot in the vision. 2. Wet macular degeneration - This   happens because new blood vessels develop under the macula. These new blood vessels are not developed properly and are thin and fragile. The blood from these vessels leaked onto the retina and macula which results in swelling of the macula that can affect vision and even blindness if not diagnosed or treated properly. Some really good Vitamins and Minerals are good for e...

The eyes are one of the most precious and important organs of the human body. However, with age or accident eye problems may occur. That’s why you need an ophthalmologist who can provide you with early treatment and prevent further damage to the eye. Choosing the right ophthalmologist is a crucial decision and it should not be taken lightly. An ophthalmologist is a professional eye care doctor who performs various eye exams, and eye surgeries prescribe medicines, and treats eye diseases. They undergo extensive training for becoming an ophthalmologist. If your vision requires more treatment than the basic eye treatment, then you should consult an ophthalmologist. Choosing the right ophthalmologist will ensure that you get the best eye treatment. Here are some of the things that should be considered before making an appointment with an Ophthalmologist. 1. Know about the experience and expertise of the eye doctor - Work experience and expertise are one of the biggest factors that decide t...

When you have diabetes your body does not properly process food, which results in the body not producing the required insulin. Insulin is a hormone that provides glucose to the cells in the body. The overflow of glucose into the bloodstream can damage the blood vessels and your eyes also. Diabetes can cause many eye diseases such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Cataracts, Glaucoma as well as Macular edema. These diseases can lead to vision loss if not treated properly. With regular eye examination and treatment, one can protect the eyes from these diseases. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy –  The Retina is a light-sensitive layer of cells located at the back of the eye. It turns the light into images. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. These damaged blood vessels can cause swelling and leakage in the eyes. In some cases, new blood vessels also grow, however they can cause other vision problems. If an adult has type 1 diabetes for more than 5 years, then he has th...

Are you living your life with diabetes? Undoubtedly you need to take care of yourself as it can lead to serious health issues. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major eye problems caused due to diabetes and that is the leading cause of blindness among the USA's working-class people. People suffering from diabetic retinopathy can face the problem of retina damage. It is considered that at an early stage there are no symptoms so it is good to visit a retina specialist so that this disease can be diagnosed. In this way, you can prevent vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy. If you are not getting timely treatment then this eye disorder even leads to blindness.  Get more useful information on diabetic retinopathy  https://www.windycityretina.com/diabetic-retinopathy-eye-plainfield-joliet-il

The eye is the main organ of visual system in the human body. We have already heard that eyes are the windows to the soul. The reason for this is that the eyes are the only place one can visualize circulation. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and inflammatory diseases that affect the circulation can be visualized in the eyes. Since the optic nerve connects the eyes to retina, many brain conditions can be picked up in the eye. Ophthalmologists are trained and certified to perform a wide range of diseases. In addition, an ophthalmologist can help diagnose problems inherent to the eye itself. Humans have five basic senses and vision is one of the key five senses. A good ophthalmologist can help diagnose and proactively treat diseases of the eyes to prevent vision loss. Dr. Ankit Desai is one of the best names among eye doctors in Joliet who deliver personalized, compassionate patient care with medical and surgical techniques. Dr. Ankit Desai has friendly nature takes his time to comm...

Getting to know you are suffering from macular degeneration can be a surprise. One of the best things to do now is getting the facts. You can ask a few important questions from your eye doctor if you are diagnosed with macular degeneration. Am I suffering from “wet” or “dry” macular degeneration? Does it affect both my eyes? Is there any stage in it, early, intermediate, or advanced? What are the chances for my AMD to progress? What treatment options do I have? Do they involve injections and new research on other treatments? Can diet, exercise, supplements, and other lifestyle changes slow progress in macular degeneration? Are my children and brothers and sisters in danger? Should they be screened? How  can I  remain  independent? What  do  I tell my family? How often do I need to  have   a checkup ? Are  you  able to  recommend a retinal or macular degeneration specialist, a  visual  rehabilitation  center , and support ...

Windy city retina is one of the leading retina centers where we understand your concerns very well. Thanks to Dr. Ankit Desai, who treats his patients with the utmost respect and understanding. If you have decided to visit our retina centers, then you may have a lot of doubts.  Get a View on Some of the Doubts and Clarification. How often should I visit my ophthalmologist? ​​If you have a history of eye disease, we recommend go for regular appointments and following up as your retina specialist advises. Give a ring for more information or to schedule an appointment. ​​Can I Bring a Friend with Me to My Ophthalmologist Appointment? ​​It is always a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments. By doing so you can make sure that you will don’t forget any important information your ophthalmologist goes over with you during your appointment. How do I Know if I Should Schedule An Ophthalmologist Appointment? ​​In case if you are having eye discomfort or tro...

Retinal detachment is a medical state of the eye when the thin layer of tissue (retina) drags itself from the back of the organ. In medical terms, it is called retinal detachment. Retinal cells are really important for providing an adequate supply of oxygen and nourishment to blood vessels. A serious loss of vision can occur in the absence of any treatment. There are some people who are at more risk of developing it than others. People who are over the age of forty or people with a history of the same illness in the family are at more risk of developing it than others. People who suffered from eye injuries or with nearsighted vision can also be at the risk, they should get their sight of eyes monitored with a doctor at regular intervals.   There are few symptoms you can experience as warning signs before developing the retinal detachment 1. Flashes of light. 2. Experience of increase in the floaters in the field of vision. 3. Blurred vision and curtain-like shadow in the ...