The retina might be just a paper-thin layer at the back of your eye but it’s responsible for everything you see. From recognizing faces to reading street signs, your retina is behind it all.

At Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institutes, Dr. William Thomas, M.D. provides expert care to preserve and protect this vital part of your eye. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or experiencing new symptoms, your retina deserves proactive attention from someone who sees the whole picture.

The retina functions like a light-sensing screen that captures everything in your visual field. It sends that information to your brain, allowing you to see detail, color, and motion. Because it doesn’t have pain receptors, you can’t feel retina damage happening and once vision is lost, it’s often permanent.

Common retina problems include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration (AMD), retinal tears or detachment, retinal vein occlusion, and macular puckers or holes. These conditions may seem distant or rare, but they’re actually more common than most people realize and they can impact your vision in serious ways if not detected early.

Each of these conditions can progress silently until symptoms suddenly appear. That’s why early detection is crucial.

Retinal conditions aren’t limited to rare diseases. Many are linked to everyday health issues or simply getting older. You could be at risk for retinal damage if you have diabetes or uncontrolled blood pressure, are over the age of 50, have a family history of eye disease, smoke, or deal with cardiovascular conditions.

Vision changes like flashes or floaters, as well as high levels of nearsightedness, are also risk indicators. These everyday health concerns can quietly affect your retinal health without obvious warning signs.

Your retina is delicate but with the right care, it’s also remarkably resilient.

Dr. William Thomas, M.D. uses cutting-edge diagnostics to catch retinal changes before they affect your life. His patients benefit from early intervention, targeted treatment, and clear communication every step of the way.

“At Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institutes, we use advanced retinal imaging to reveal what your eyes can’t feel and protect your vision for the long haul.” - Dr. William Thomas

His approach focuses on clarity of both sight and understanding. In-office diagnostics at Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institutes include OCT scans to visualize the layers of the retina, fundus photography for capturing detailed snapshots of retinal health, fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow, and dilated eye exams that allow for a full-field inspection of the retina. These tools help Dr. Thomas spot retinal issues early and formulate the right course of action.

Gone are the days when treating retinal conditions meant long recoveries or complicated surgeries. Today, many treatments are done in-office with minimal discomfort.

Treatment options may involve anti-VEGF injections to manage macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, laser therapy to control bleeding or seal retinal tears, and cryotherapy - a freezing technique that targets affected areas.

In more advanced cases, vitrectomy may be recommended to remove vitreous gel and treat retinal damage directly. Every care plan is tailored to match the patient's unique condition and needs, evolving over time as necessary.

Dr. Thomas is known for more than his clinical skill, he’s praised for how he listens, explains, and empowers. Patients often say Dr. Thomas breaks everything down in plain language and makes them feel like active partners in their treatment.

Many share that their conditions were caught early and potentially save their vision. They express deep trust in his care, often saying, “I trust him with my sight and that says everything.” This kind of feedback reflects the compassionate, communicative experience patients can expect.

At Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institutes, you won’t just get treatment, you’ll get reassurance, clarity, and a team that cares.

If you’ve been putting off an eye exam, experiencing vision changes, or managing diabetes or AMD, it’s time to check in on your retina.

One visit could make all the difference. You’ll get answers about any changes in vision, establish a baseline for future monitoring, begin a plan to protect your sight long-term, and leave feeling confident knowing you’re in expert hands.

Your retina might be out of sight but it should never be out of mind. With expert guidance from Dr. William Thomas, M.D., and the advanced tools available at Omaha/Lincoln Eye and Laser Institutes, you can safeguard your vision now and for years to come.

Your vision starts at the back of your eye but your journey starts right here.