The Retina Center, P.A.

While most of our patients come with a referral, we do not require that you have one in order to book an appointment. Please contact our office if you believe that you might require a retinal evaluation.

* Click on a diagnosis below for more information *

Retinal Detachment

Macular Degeneration

Diabetic Retinopathy

Vascular Disorders

Epiretinal Membrane

Macular Hole

A detachment of the retina from its connection at the back of the eye. The detachment usually results from a break in the retina, which often occurs when the vitreous gel pulls loose from its attachment to the retina. The separation of the viteous from the retina is a normal part of the aging process. If the retina has torn, the vitreous liquid can pass through the tear and accumulate behind the retina. The build-up of fluid behind the retina is what detaches the retina from the back of the eye. Vision loss occurs if the detached retina is not repaired promptly.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys the central vision. In people over 60, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss. Initially, cells under the retina degenerate and lose their ability to properly feed the retina. This is Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration. There are currently no treatments for Dry AMD although vitamins are recommended to reduce vision loss. In some individuals, abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, leaking blood and fluid and causing rapid vision loss. This is Wet Age Retated Macular Degeration. The vision loss of Wet AMD is in addition the damage caused by Dry AMD. There are treatments for Wet AMD that can reduce further vision loss. Pain is not associated with either form of AMD.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects a person with diabetes. This happens when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. This damage causes either loss of blood flow or excessive leakage of fluid from retinal blood vessels. If there is loss of blood flow to significant parts of the retina, new blood vessels can form that can bleed or cause a retinal detachment or both. This can cause severe vision loss. If there is excessive leakage of fluid, the retina can swell and that can cause vision loss. Good blood sugar control reduces the rate of blood vessel damage. There are eye treatments that can mitigate the effects of the damaged blood vessels.

Retinal vein occlusions are strokes that occur in the eye. They are often associated with elevated blood pressure. When retinal vessels are occluded, the affected vessels are damaged and often leak fluid at excessive rates. The resulting retinal swelling can cause significant vision loss if the center of the retina is involved. Both control of blood pressure and eye treatments can reduce the vision loss caused by a retinal vein occlusion.

For a variety of reasons, scar tissue can form on the surface of the retina. This scar tissue can form a transparent layer and, like all scar tissue, can tighten to create tension on the retina which may bulge and pucker, or even cause swelling or macular edema. Often this results in distortions of vision that are visible as bowing and blurring. If this change is visually significant, the scar can be removed surgically.

A macular hole is a small break in the a special location of the retina called the macula. The macula provides the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail. A macular hole can cause blurred and distorted and missing areas in the central vision. A macular hole usually appears spontaneously and can happen in both eyes in some people. A surgical procedure can be preformed which can close the hole.

Our Physicians

Derek Kuhl MD PHD

Kevin Wells MD

Dr Kuhl was born in Los Angeles, California and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. He majored in Biochemistry and Cell Biology while obtaining a minor in English Literature. He was also a four year athlete on the crew team being elected the captain of the team in his senior year. He came to Texas to enroll in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Baylor College of Medicine.

He completed this studies for his MD and also for a PhD in Human and Molecular Genetics in 1995. He was then fortunate to remain at Baylor for his Ophthalmology residency and his two year fellowship in Diseases and Surgery of the Retina and Vitreous. He moved to Bryan, Texas in 2001 at the completion of his training and started as an employee of Austin Retina Associates. He opened The Retina Center PA in 2004.

After receiving his B.S. from Texas A&M University, Dr. Kevin Wells attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he graduated summa cum laude. He performed his ophthalmology residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he served as the chief resident. Dr. Wells then completed a rigorous fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at the renowned Retina Specialists of Alabama in Birmingham.

In July 2019, Dr. Wells returned home to Texas to join The Retina Center. He has a special interest in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal detachments. Dr. Wells is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Retinal Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In his free time, he enjoys Aggie football, exercising, and spending time with his wife and three boys.