WHAT IS THE RETINA?
The retina is a 0.5-mm thick layer in the eye globe that is adhered to the tissue underneath. A tiny but very specialized area of the retina called the macula is responsible for giving us our detailed, central vision. The other part of the retina provides us with our peripheral (side) vision. The retina is a very complex structure that converts the light into a signal that is transmitted to the brain. The retina is the area where the vision forms like the film in a camera. The center of the retina is called the yellow spot or the macula. There are many diseases that affect the retina.
MAJOR RETINAL DISEASES
• Retinal Detachment
• Macular Hole
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• High Myopia Complications
• Childhood Retinal Diseases
• Epiretinal Membranes (Macular Puckers)
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
• Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
• Eye Infections - Treatment of Endophthalmitis
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RETINAL DISEASES?
Retinal diseases are usually painless. Since the retina is the most important structure in the creation of eyesight, the symptoms are mostly related to vision.
Some symptoms of retinal holes and tears are as follows:
• Floaters, or tiny specks, moving around in your field of vision
• Flashes of light in vision
• Blurred vision
• Slowly deteriorating side (peripheral) vision
• Curtain-like shadow through your field of vision
Some symptoms of the diseases that affect the center of the retina are as follows:
• Blurry near vision and distance vision
• Need for brighter light to see better
• Faded colors
• Vision problems when passing from bright lights to dim lights
• Difficulty in identifying faces
• Dark and blurry areas in central vision
• Straight lines seeming wavy
• Central vision loss
• Dark areas or whiteout in central vision
• Difference of size between the two eyes
• Colors seeming less bright
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR RETINAL DISEASES?
Although there have been vast developments in the treatment of retinal diseases in recent years, unfortunately not all retinal diseases can be treated. The treatment options available for treatable retinal diseases are divided into two main groups:
• Medical Treatment
- Drug therapy
• Surgical Treatment
- Laser and Retinal Surgery
DO RETINAL DISEASES RECUR?
Yes, retinal diseases are recurrent. For example, the membranes removed after retinal tears may develop again or new tears may form and retinal detachment may recur. In recurrent retinal detachments, the treatment usually involves a vitrectomy in which the newly formed membranes are removed and new holes are re-treated. This process may need to be repeated several times.
