Your Vision, His Focus: A Q&A with Retina Specialist Dr. Ruwan Silva
At The California Retina Institute, Dr. Ruwan Silva combines deep expertise with a personal, patient-centered approach to care.
With advanced fellowship training, academic appointments at Stanford, and a passion for using the latest technology to improve outcomes, Dr. Silva offers patients and referring providers a trusted partner for managing complex eye conditions. In this Q&A, he shares what drew him to retinal surgery, his approach to long-term care, and what’s next in the rapidly evolving field of retina treatment.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in vitreoretinal surgery, and what motivates you today?
A: In college and graduate school, I was deeply interested in how neurons in the brain worked, so I initially thought I’d pursue neurology or neurosurgery. But during medical school, I fell in love with ophthalmology. The surgeries are remarkably precise and technically challenging, the outcomes are often life-changing, and the field rapidly translates new advances in physics, optics, and engineering into tools we can use in the clinic and the OR. Retinal surgery, in particular, allows me to combine that scientific fascination with helping people protect and restore their sight—a privilege I value every day.
Q: What symptoms should prompt someone to see a retinal specialist?
A: If you notice any of the following, you should get an eye exam as soon as possible:
- Blurry or distorted vision (central or peripheral)
- Any vision loss, even if temporary
- New floaters or flashes of light
- A blind spot in your vision
- Light sensitivity or eye pain
It’s difficult to distinguish benign from serious causes based on symptoms alone, so it’s important to be evaluated quickly.
Q: How do you help patients manage chronic conditions like macular degeneration or diabetic eye disease?
A: It all starts with communication. We invest in advanced imaging so we can accurately track disease progression at every visit, then review those results with patients in real time. We talk about the complications we’re working to prevent, and for early-stage disease, we focus on lifestyle and medical steps that can slow progression. Because these conditions often tie closely to systemic health, we stay in close contact with each patient’s primary care physician, endocrinologist, and family to make care as coordinated and proactive as possible.
Q: What advancements in retinal care are you most excited about?
A: This is an incredibly exciting time in my field. Artificial intelligence is giving us tools to predict disease progression and even assess risks for cardiovascular, kidney, and autoimmune conditions from a simple retinal photo. Gene therapy is opening doors to treat previously untreatable inherited retinal diseases. And on the horizon, I’m working with colleagues at Stanford on an artificial retinal prosthesis—an implantable micro-computer that may restore vision for patients with profound sight loss.
Whether you’re facing a new retinal diagnosis or managing a chronic eye condition, Dr. Silva is committed to delivering the highest standard of care—and keeping both patients and their care teams informed every step of the way. “Vision is precious,” he says, “and it’s an honor to help protect it.”
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re experiencing vision changes or need retinal care, schedule an appointment today. Call 408-495-2020.