Eyes are one of the most important organs of your body, and the retina is an important part of the eye. It is the delicate light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina has special photoreceptor cells that detect light, and transmit signals to the brain. This process allows you to see.
The retina is prone to a number of eye conditions that may disrupt your vision. It is vital to know about these ailments because they can damage eye tissue, resulting in critical vision problems and even blindness. In this blog, we’re going to look at various types of retinal disorders, their signs, and how they can be treated.
Types of Retinal Diseases
Here are some prominent eye conditions that affect the retina. Each of them may have unique causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Retinal Detachment
It happens when the retina gets separated from the back of the eye. There is no pain, although it is a serious condition that demands immediate medical intervention. Signs include blurred vision, diminished side vision, and darkness in the field of vision.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration(AMD) is a progressive condition affecting people in their old age. The macula, the middle part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, starts deteriorating. The patient may see flashing lights or sparks.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
This eye disorder is caused by high blood sugar levels, and diabetic patients are susceptible to it. The blood vessels in the retina get damaged, leading to loss of vision.
Retinal Tears
Eye injury or other underlying conditions may result in small gaps or ruptures in the retina, causing retinal tears. It is an emergency situation because retinal tears may further lead to retina detachment. Myopic people are prone to it.
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
A group of inherited eye conditions that result in progressive damage to the light-sensitive cells of the retina. However, even people with no family history of the disease may fall prey to it. RP may lead to vision loss, generally starting with loss of night and side vision.
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
When a retinal blood vessel gets blocked, it may cause fluid leakage, increased pressure in the eye, swelling, and subsequent loss of vision in the affected area. This is retinal vein occlusion, another disease affecting the retina.
Retinal Diseases Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of retinal diseases may vary depending on the particular condition. However, there are some common signs, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Dark spots, shadows, or floaters in the field of vision
- Flashes of light
- Diminishing vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light and at night
- Peripheral vision gets affected
- Poor colour vision
- Distortion of vision
If you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s critical to approach an eye specialist for a comprehensive eye checkup.
Diagnosing Retinal Diseases
A comprehensive eye examination is generally required to diagnose retinal issues. This complete eye checkup may include different tests, such as:
| Test | Purpose |
| Visual acuity test | Assesses your vision at different distances |
| Dilated eye exam | Eye drops are used to dilate pupils and examine the retina and other parts at the back of the eye |
| Optical coherence tomography (OCT) | An imaging test to measure the thickness of the retina, and spot any anomalies |
| Fluorescein angiography | Coloured images of retinal blood vessels are taken by injecting a dye into the patient’s arm that subsequently flows through the retina |
Your eyecare provider uses these tests to find out the type and seriousness of your retinal condition so that they can plan the right treatment.
Retinal Diseases Treatment Options
Treatment is decided on the basis of the type of the retinal issue and its severity. Here are some treatment options that are commonly used:
Medications
Some retinal conditions can be managed with oral medicines and topical eyedrops. Examples of such conditions include AMD and diabetic retinopathy.
Laser Therapy
A laser is used to seal leaking blood vessels, repair retinal tears, or eliminate defective blood vessels in the retina. Laser therapy may be helpful in treating diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or holes, retinal vein occlusion, and AMD (age-related macular degeneration).
Vitrectomy
It is a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous (gel-like substance) from the centre of the eye. It can effectively treat conditions like macular holes, retinal detachment, and diabetic retinopathy.
Eye Injections
Intraocular injections are used to directly inject medications into the eye – to target particular retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Anti VEGF injections are the most frequently used eye injections.
It’s vital to consult an eye doctor or retina specialist to decide the best treatment option for your retinal condition. For trusted eye care, visit Sohana Eye Hospital, Mohali, and get treated by the best eye doctor in Chandigarh. Not only are doctors highly skilled but you also get world-class treatment at the most reasonable prices. With a legacy of excellence dating back to more than 30 years, Sohana Eye Hospital is the preferred destination of eye patients from India as well as other countries.
When it is about your eyes, do not ignore anything that seems abnormal or unnatural. See clearly and live fully.
