American Society of Retina Specialists

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.

07/29/2026

Has someone you love been diagnosed with age-related , or AMD? The American Society of Retina Specialists and the National Eye Institute produced the Talk with Your Doctor About AMD guide, which can help people ask essential questions about the condition. Take a look and share it with your loved one: asrs.org/content/documents/asrs_nei_talk-with-your-doctor-about-amd-guide.pdf.

More info at www.SeeforaLifetime.org.

07/02/2026

Inspired by the World Cup? ⚽ If you're joining friends for a soccer game after watching a match or two, remember that injuries to the retina can occur during sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball. A blow to the eye from a ball, elbow, or finger can cause a retinal tear or detachment, while penetrating injuries can damage the retina and other structures of the eye.

Sports-related retinal injuries can lead to permanent vision loss without prompt medical care.

Download ASRS's Sports Safety for Retina Health patient guide in English or Spanish to learn how to protect your sight and recognize the warning signs of a retinal emergency. Visit SeeforaLifetime.org/Resources.

06/30/2026

What began as a few tiny floaters while selling lavender at a local farmers' market quickly became a vision emergency for Jack.

After recurrent retinal detachments, expert care from retina specialists and low vision support have helped him continue running his family's lavender farm, volunteering in his community, and living life on his own terms.

Read Jack's inspiring story at SeeforaLifetime.org/patient-stories.

06/23/2026

Protection from sports-related eye injuries is important year-round. Participating in sports can have a host of benefits, including enhanced physical and mental health. Along with the positive impact of playing sports, there is a risk of physical injury, including those that can affect vision. Download ASRS’s Sports Safety for Retina Health patient guide in English or Spanish to learn more. SeeforaLifetime.org/Resources.

06/11/2026

What would you do if part of your vision suddenly disappeared?

A retinal detachment is a sight-threatening emergency that can cause a dark shadow, curtain, or missing area in your field of vision, like the simulation shown here.

Other warning signs may include:
• A sudden increase in floaters
• Flashes of light
• Blurred vision

Prompt evaluation and treatment by a retina specialist can help preserve vision. If you experience these symptoms, don't wait.

Learn more about retinal detachment and find a retina specialist near you at SeeforaLifetime.org.