Top retina specialist helps those of all ages to see better, often without surgery

Dr. Michael Blair, owner of Retina Consultants Ltd., is a true multitasker. Despite specializing in retina-related issues, Blair is applying his expertise in hospitals in Des Plaines, Elgin, and as far as Lisle and Hickory Hills.

Blair said the retina, which is the tissue at the back of the eye that captures light, can face damage or deterioration in many ways. He said patients normally experience retina detachment by seeing flashes of light or “floaters.” But patients need not worry about any daunting hospital visits or procedures.

“Retinal detachment can occur,” he said. “But most of our patient visits don’t require hospitalization.”

Retina Consultants Ltd., Blair said, performs a variety of in-office exams to determine problem areas.

“We also screen babies for eye problems,” he said. Premature babies are particularly at risk because the retina has not fully developed by birth, Blair explained. Because of the fragility of babies, Blair said they are sent to University of Illinois, where Blair treats infants with retina procedures. Blair also works once a month at Cook County Hospital treating babies and young children.

“It has to be a place with equipment that we need,” he said.

Another point of pride for Retina Consultants Ltd. is their reputation among children and families.

“We have the largest volume of children because we get referrals from other states,” Blair said.

Blair, who has been with Retina Consultants Ltd. since 2010, said just because he and his staff specialize in retinol problems does not mean they see a narrow range of issues.

“I think our group has a very broad group of diseases that we treat,” he said. “We have expertise in tumors in the eye and good results treating them. We also treat inflammations in the eye. These are things that are less common and not treated by every retinal group, so that makes us unique.”

Another condition that Blair and his team treat is age-related macular degeneration and detachment, often detected by what he calls macular puckers – cells on the surface of the retina.

“Cells contract and cause a wrinkle, so the retina is no longer smooth,” he said. “So this leads to blurry vision.”

Blair explained that the retina sheds debris every day to get rid of the used-up portions of cells. If debris accumulates, he explained, it can lead to macular degeneration.

Blair said that treatment of such ailments has changed greatly over time.

While ophthalmologists used to use lasers, he said injections into the eye have become more popular. These injections, he explained, bind molecules together for a smoother retina.

“For better outcomes, we have repeated injections, but the treatments are better altogether, so that’s good news,” he said.

If a patient has a condition that calls for a laser that uses heat to keep the retina attached, Blair and his staff send the patient to a hospital that can provide appropriate treatment.

Blair said what he enjoys most about ophthalmology is his relationships with patients.

“In ophthalmology, it’s nice because you have long-term relationships with patients,” he said. “It’s also very visual. Some fields of medicine are based on the sounds. like the heart. Ophthalmology is more tactile.”

Blair said he once had plans to become a heart surgeon, but then decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“My father did retina surgery too, so I guess you could say it’s genetic,” he said.

“I just find it enjoyable to help people see better.”