Retina Specialists in Baltimore

American Society of Retina Specialists has recognized Elman Retina Group for our commitment and quality patient care!

American Society of Retina Specialists has recognized Elman Retina Group for our commitment and quality patient care!

Baltimore Ophthalmologist Michael J Elman

How Our Services Can Help Preserve Your Sight

Eyes have been called the gateway to the soul. For everyone blessed with vision, they’re clearly the gateway to the world. Which is why at the Elman Retina Group, our goal is preservation of lifestyle through preservation of your vision.

Sidney “Sid” A. Schechet, M.D.In a warm and caring private office setting, Drs. Elman, Schechet and Dao and their highly trained staff provide comprehensive state-of-the-art treatments – all based on the most current scientific research and technology. Count on us to work closely with you to be sure you understand your options and to keep you actively involved in your care… from preliminary evaluation, through expert and empathetic treatment, to ongoing follow-up, education, and rehabilitation.

What is a Retina Specialist?

David Dao, M.D.A retina specialist is an Eye M.D. specially trained to deal with the problems affecting the delicate tissues in the back of the eye, such as the macula, retina and vitreous. The retina lines the back of the eye and “takes the picture” for the eye much like the film in a camera. The center of the retina, called the macula, is responsible for our fine central vision and allows us to read, recognize faces and thread a needle. The cavity in front of the retina and filling most of the eye contains the clear vitreous gel.

Our retinal specialists completed two extra years of rigorous, specialized fellowship training after finishing their ophthalmology residency programs. They are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat problems in the back of the eye, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment. They will evaluate and treat your retinal problems working in consultation and in partnership with your referring doctor.

Your general ophthalmologist or optometrist will continue to see you for glasses and other non-retina related eye conditions. Your referring eye doctor and medical doctors will receive complete notes of each office visit to our office.

Why Choose Elman Retina Group?

Elman Retina Group is the leading destination for comprehensive retinal services in the Baltimore area. Here are a few reasons why our patients trust us:

  • Experience: Dr. Elman and Dr. Schechet have devoted their professional careers to the medical and surgical care of retinal diseases. Because of their expertise, other doctors refer complicated and mystery cases to our practice.
  • Quality care: Our entire team is committed to providing compassionate treatment that is personalized to every patient’s individual needs and expectations.
  • Advanced diagnostic and treatment technology: Offering the latest diagnostic and treatment technology enables us to make care safer, less invasive and more comfortable for our patients.
  • An eye on the future: Our retinal doctors are actively working to advance the field by participating in leading-edge clinical trials for a variety of retinal diseases.

News and Announcements

Elman Retina Group participates in major clinical trial.

Findings from NIH-supported clinical trial help guide management of diabetic eye disease.

Four-Year Visual Outcomes in the Protocol W Randomized Trial of Intravitreous Aflibercept for Prevention of Vision-Threatening Complications of Diabetic Retinopathy.

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Elman Retina is proud to help pioneer the future of predictive analytics with digital healthcare

Elman Retina is proud to help pioneer the future of predictive analytics with digital healthcare. A recently published sub-analysis of ALOFT study shows how #remotemonitoring can generate aggregates of large data sets and provide unique insights, specifically the predictive nature of non-exudative ForeseeHome alerts.

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Michael J Elman, M.D. presented the results of the Clinical Utility of Home OCT Data in Management of Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration

Michael J Elman, M.D. presented the results of the Clinical Utility of Home OCT Data in Management of Neovascular Age Related Macular Degeneration at the 47th annual meeting of the Macula Society in Palm Springs, California on February 9, 2024.

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Conditions We Commonly Treat

Our retinal specialists are at the forefront of treating the following conditions:

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a breakdown of the macula, or the part of the retina responsible for central, detailed vision. Vision loss due to AMD is usually slow. Although AMD cannot be cured, our doctors can manage it through recommendations for nutritional supplements, intravitreal injections, laser treatment or other non-surgical treatments.

Macular hole

A macular hole occurs when the vitreous, or the gelatinous substance filling the eye, tugs at the macula, pulling away a portion of tissue. Macular hole symptoms include reduced vision, visual distortion and central blind spots. Depending on the severity of the macular hole, our retinal doctors may recommend injecting medicine or a gas bubble into the hole or performing vitrectomy surgery to heal the hole.

Macular edema

Macular edema is swelling of the macular tissue due to blood vessel leakage beneath the retina. The most common symptom of macular edema is obscured central vision. Our retinal specialists normally approach macular edema by treating the underlying condition contributing to the swelling.

Retinal tear

A retinal tear develops when the vitreous tugs on the retina. A tear can cause flashes, floaters, swelling or pain in the eye. Treating a retinal tear often includes laser surgery or the cryopexy technique, which freezes the torn part of the retina to prevent it from enlarging. Our retinal surgeons determine the most appropriate method based on the circumstances of the case.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina is no longer properly attached to the surrounding tissues. It must be repaired promptly or else it can lead to blindness in the affected eye. Our retinal detachment specialists can treat the condition with laser or traditional surgery.

Epiretinal membrane

An epiretinal membrane, commonly referred to as a macular pucker, is a layer of scar tissue that develops over the macula, causing the macula to wrinkle or contract. Often epiretinal membranes are asymptomatic (although some cause visual distortions). The most common treatment for epiretinal membrane is vitrectomy.

Diabetic retinopathy and edema

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the tiny blood vessels of the retina. The blood vessels can leak blood and fluid, and abnormal blood vessels can develop. The leakage can lead to macular edema (swelling in the central part of the retina). Treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

Retinal vein occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of a vein that carries blood away from the retina. It may affect the central vein or a smaller branch of the main vein. Prompt attention is needed to manage retinal vein occlusion and watch for complications.

Inherited retinal conditions

Inherited retinal conditions are a group of rare diseases caused by variations in genes that affect the retina. They are often degenerative and can cause severe vision loss and blindness.

Plaquenil screening

Hydroxycholoroquine (or Plaquenil) is a medication used to treat some autoimmune and dermatological conditions. People who take it for more than five years or in high doses are at an increased risk of retinal damage, and should be screened regularly to detect early signs of a problem.

Retina Health Fact SheetLearn About Retinal Diseases and ConditionsThe Retina Health Fact Sheet Series, from the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists, offers condition-specific webpages and printable facts sheets on more than 35 retinal conditions.

The series is written and illustrated by medical experts and offers select titles in large print and Spanish.

Select a condition from the title listing on the right for information on:

  • Symptoms and risk factors
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Treatment and prognoses

At the Elman Retina Group, P.A., we are dedicated to providing the highest quality retinal care in a comfortable and empathetic environment. Call us at (410) 686-3000 or schedule an appointment today online.

Welcome to The Elman Retina Group

Your Premier Retina Care in Maryland
Request Appointment (410) 686-3000