Our team of doctors are all fellowship-trained to treat both the medical and surgical diseases of the retina. We dedicate ourselves to the care of vitreo-retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, floaters, retina tears and detachments, and numerous other vitreo-retinal diseases. Our award-winning clinical trial program provides access to cutting-edge treatments. As the most established retina practice in the Front Range, we are proud and honored to provide our community with world-class care of all diseases of the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes damage to the blood vessels of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back part of the eye, allowing you to see fine detail. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in working-age Americans.
Epiretinal Membranes (ERMs), also commonly known as macular puckers, are avascular (having few or no blood vessels), semi-translucent, fibrocellular membranes that form on the inner surface of the retina. They most commonly cause minimal symptoms and can be simply observed, but in some cases they can result in painless loss of vision and metamorphopsia (visual distortion).
Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) is a natural change that occurs during adulthood, when the vitreous gel that fills the eye separates from the retina, the light-sensing nerve layer at the back of the eye. Symptoms of a PVD include floaters (mobile blurry shadows that obscure the vision) and flashes (streaks of light, usually at the side of the vision)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of the retina and choroid that leads to a substantial loss in visual acuity (sharpness of vision). AMD is the leading cause of significant visual acuity loss in people over age 50 in developed countries.
The macula is a small area in the center of the retina where light is sharply focused to produce the detailed color vision needed for tasks such as reading and driving. When a full-thickness defect develops in the macula, the condition is referred to as macular hole.
The retina lines the back wall of the eye, and is responsible for absorbing the light that enters the eye and converting it into an electrical signal that is sent to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing you to see. Tears can form in the retina, creating a risk of retinal detachment and severe loss of vision. With a retinal detachment, the retina separates from the back wall of the eye completely, like wallpaper peeling off a wall.
Retinal vein occlusions occur when there is a blockage of veins carrying blood with needed oxygen and nutrients to the nerve cells in the retina. A blockage in the retina’s main vein is referred to as a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), while a blockage in a smaller vein is called a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
Dr. Rich performed the surgery and was very thorough in his explanation of the procedure. The entire nursing staff was pleasant and informative. In all I probably had personal contact with 20 different staffers from the time I arrived until I left and they were all fantastic.
I had retina detached surgery with Dr. Luu. The overall experience was unbelievable, from checking in, going from room to room, nurse to nurse, pre-op, surgery, then post-op, I would highly recommend Dr. Luu and Retina Consultants of Southern Colorado.
Dr. Sarrafizadeh saved my husband's eyesight. Bill has had diabetes for over 30 yrs and it did damage to his eyes causing bleeding behind them. He is a kind, friendly Dr. and we appreciate him very much.
I have a genetic predisposition for retinal problems. Dr. Martidis has been phenomenal. I was so scared that I woukd lose my sight. But he’s been so thoughtful, patient, kind, concerned, and positive.
My macular puckering was repaired and for the first time in over 20 years, my vision is now correctable to 20/20. Very professional office and a smooth process. The staff is very clear about the process and any risks of surgery. Total satisfaction of a job well done!
Dr. Luu came to Colorado Springs and joined Retina Consultants of Southern Colorado in 2003. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vitreous and retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, uveitis, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, retinal detachment, and retinal vascular diseases.
Dr. Rich specializes in all medical and surgical retinal diseases including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, vascular diseases of the retina, uveitis, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities such as epiretinal membrane and macular hole, retinal detachment, ocular trauma, and complications of anterior segment surgery.
Dr. Sarrafizadeh specializes in the management of a variety of medical, surgical, and inflammatory retinal conditions. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his findings at national and international conferences. He is the recipient of a number of awards for clinical and basic science research excellence.
Dr. Taylor’s practice focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, retinal vascular disease, and intraocular inflammatory disease.
Dr. Martidis is a pioneer in managing macular edema using an injection of corticosteroid medication into the vitreous cavity. He published the first article on the use of this technique in the management of diabetic macular edema as a complication of diabetic retinopathy. He also has broad expertise in the management of other medical retinal conditions (macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion, central serous retinopathy) and vitreo-retinal surgery (retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole).
Dr. Ronquillo is a medical retina specialist and vitreoretinal surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of vitreous and retinal diseases including age-related macular degeneration(AMD), retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retina vascular diseases, uveitis and inherited retinal diseases. He was a recipient of numerous clinical and research awards including a National Eye Institute grant, and has published multiple peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters in Ophthalmology.
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Narine Viruni, M.D., attended the University of California, Davis School of Medicine. She then completed ophthalmology residency at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, and received multiple awards, including the Heed Fellowship. Dr. Viruni continued her training at Johns Hopkins by further specializing and completing a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery. She then accepted a faculty position at Johns Hopkins as Assistant Chief of Service and codirector of the ocular trauma unit.
