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Proudly rated 4.8 from 7,600+ patient reviews

Retina Care in Charlotte, NC

Retina specialists dedicated to preserving and restoring vision through cutting-edge treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment.

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About Your Retina

The retina is a paper-thin tissue lining the back of your eye that converts light into electrical signals your brain interprets as sight. When retinal disease strikes, prompt action is essential as damage to retinal cells is permanent.

Unlike other eye conditions correctable with prescription eyeglasses, retinal problems can lead to irreversible vision loss. Modern treatments can halt progression in most cases, but early detection is critical — many retinal diseases show no symptoms until vision is already affected.

Conditions We Treat

We treat age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal tears, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, vein occlusions, and other complex retinal conditions, from early monitoring through advanced surgical intervention.

Each condition requires a different approach. Retinal detachment is a surgical emergency. Wet AMD and diabetic macular edema respond to injection therapy. Dry AMD now has its first FDA-approved treatment. Our specialists stay at the forefront of every advance.

Treatment Options

From office-based anti-VEGF injections and precision laser therapy to advanced vitrectomy surgery and the new Syfovre™ treatment for dry AMD, we offer the full spectrum of retinal care, personalized to your condition and visual goals.

Anti-VEGF injections are virtually painless and performed in-office. Laser procedures seal tears and reduce swelling with minimal discomfort. Vitrectomy surgery addresses complex cases from inside the eye using the latest minimally invasive techniques.

Warning Signs

Seek immediate care for a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, a curtain or shadow across your vision, sudden vision loss, or distorted and wavy central vision. Retinal detachment is painless but causes permanent blindness without emergency treatment.

Many retinal diseases, including early macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, show no warning signs at all. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the only way to detect these conditions before they cause significant, irreversible vision loss.

Meet Your Charlotte Retina Specialists

Experts dedicated to preserving and restoring your vision with advanced technology.

Sheila Garcia, MD, MPH

Fellowship-Trained Retina & Vitreous Specialist

Serving Cotswold & Mallard Creek

Strutha C. Rouse, II, MD

Fellowship-Trained Retina & Vitreous Specialist

Serving Cotswold & Huntersville

Steven J. Ryder, MD

Fellowship-Trained Retina & Vitreous Specialist

Serving Cotswold, Pineville & Waverly

W. Riley Stroman, MD

Fellowship-Trained Retina & Vitreous Specialist

Serving Pineville & Rock Hill

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Proudly rated 4.8 from 7,600+ patient reviews

Expert Retina Care Throughout Charlotte

Expert retina care is close by at one of our Charlotte-area Horizon eye locations:

Browse locations:

Cotswold

135 S. Sharon Amity Rd Charlotte, NC 28211

(704) 365-0555

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday:
8AM to 12PM
Sunday:
Closed

Huntersville

15419 Hodges Cir Huntersville, NC 28078

(704) 892-1000

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed

Mallard Creek

10834 Mallard Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28262

(704) 717-0058

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed

Pineville

10512 Park Rd Charlotte, NC 28210

(704) 541-6127

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed

Rock Hill

410 S. Herlong Ave #103 Rock Hill, SC 29732

(803) 818-9200

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed

Waverly

11835 Southmore Dr Charlotte, NC 28277

(704) 341-3220

Monday to Thursday:
8AM to 5PM
Friday:
8AM to 3PM
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed

Retina Resources

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Retina FAQs

What happens during my first retina visit?

Your appointment will take 2–3 hours and includes a comprehensive eye exam, medical history review, and specialized retinal imaging. Your eyes will be dilated for thorough examination. Additional tests like OCT imaging or fluorescein angiography may be performed to assess your condition.

Are eye injections painful?

Despite how intimidating they sound, retinal injections are virtually painless. We use numbing drops to prepare your eye, and the injection itself takes only seconds. Most patients describe mild pressure at most — discomfort is minimal and brief.

How often will I need treatment?

Treatment frequency depends on your specific condition and how you respond. Many patients with wet AMD or diabetic macular edema begin with monthly injections, then transition to longer intervals. Your Charlotte eye surgeon will build a personalized schedule based on your response.

Will my vision be restored after treatment?

Treatment generally prevents further vision loss rather than reversing damage already done. Early intervention often preserves your existing vision and may produce some improvement. The key is catching conditions before significant damage occurs — which is why regular monitoring matters.

Can retinal disease be prevented?

Some risk factors like aging and genetics can't be changed, but controlling diabetes and blood pressure, not smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and fish, wearing UV protection, and scheduling regular eye exams all meaningfully reduce your risk.

Why do I need frequent follow-up visits?

Retinal conditions can change rapidly, and your response to treatment must be carefully monitored. Regular visits allow your specialist to adjust your treatment plan and catch any changes before they affect your vision — protecting the sight you have.