RETINAL DISEASES
Common Retinal Conditions
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. Over time, the excess glucose in the blood can lead to the occlusion of the small vessels surrounding the retina, thus causing it to lose some of the blood supply. Consequently, the eye tries to build new blood vessels; but they are structurally abnormal and tend to leak.
To help repair the damage, an eye surgeon removes the vitreous gel from the eye to access and repair the retina, sealing any tears or leaks and replacing the gel with a saline solution or gas bubble to help the retina heal.
Early detection and management are essential to prevent vision loss.
Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy:
-
Blurred or fluctuating vision
-
Dark spots or floaters
-
Impaired color vision
-
Empty or dark areas in the vision
-
Difficulty seeing
Retinal Detachment
What is Retinal Detachment?
A retinal detachment is a condition when the thin cells forming the retina pull away from the underlying layer of blood vessels, which supplies the eye with oxygen and nutrients.
In order to repair the detachment, the eye surgeon removes the vitreous gel to access the retina, repairs any tears or holes, and uses a laser or cryotherapy to reattach the retina. The vitreous gel is replaced with a gas bubble or silicone oil to hold the retina in place as it heals, restoring vision and preventing further detachment.
Some of the common causes include extreme near-sightedness, ageing, and eye injury.
Symptoms of Retinal Detachment:
-
Flashes of light in one or both eyes
-
Gradual reduction in peripheral (side) vision
-
The sudden appearance of floaters
-
A shadow or "curtain" over part of the vision field
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a common eye condition that affects central vision, often occurring in people over 50. Some of the major risk factors include age, family history, smoking, and high blood pressure.
Treatment Options for AMD:
-
Anti-VEGF injections
-
Photodynamic therapy
-
Lifestyle changes and dietary supplements
-
Low vision aids to support vision quality
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal vein occlusion is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina, leading to swelling and vision problems. It is commonly associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, and glaucoma.
Treatment Options for Retinal Vein Occulsion:
-
Anti-VEGF injections to reduce swelling
-
Corticosteroid injections
-
Laser treatment to improve blood flow
-
Managing underlying health conditions
Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Tools
OCT
The imaging test that delivers high-resolution retinal layer images which help surgeons to get accurate diagnoses.
Fluorescein Angiography
A detailed imaging technique to assess blood flow and detect retinal blood vessel abnormalities.
Vitrectomy
A specialized surgical procedure to remove vitreous gel, treat retinal detachment, and address other complex retinal issues.
Intravitreal Injections
Medications injected into the eye to treat AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion.
-
What is the exact nature of my vision problem?The reason for your vision issues is cataracts, and that is a condition in which your normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque and, as a result, blocks and distorts light entering your eye; this results in blurred or dim vision.
-
Do I have to undergo cataract surgery, or are there other types of treatments available?Although there are no medications or eye drops that will treat a cataract, at an early stage one may cope with cataracts temporarily through stronger glasses or better lighting or anti-glare sunglasses. However, cataract eye surgery remains the only mode of treatment to get rid of this issue and restore clear vision.
-
What are some benefits of cataract surgery?This will be the cataract surgery that will let you do everyday tasks much more clearly: reading, driving, and recognizing faces. It may bring great enhancement to the quality of life and decrease dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
-
How can I find an eye doctor for cataracts near me?Search online for local cataract ophthalmologists specializing in cataract surgery, or ask your primary care physician for recommendations.
-
What should I expect during my consultation with a cataract ophthalmologist?Expect a comprehensive eye exam, discussion of your symptoms, and evaluation of your suitability for surgery.
-
What are the risks and possible complications of cataract surgery?Although generally safe, cataract surgery is not free from its risks—just like any other surgery. These include infection, bleeding, inflammation, swelling , a. Most complications can be effectively treated if detected early.
-
What types of IOL exist, and which one will be the best for me?There are monofocal, multifocal, toric, and accommodating IOLs. The best for you will depend on your lifestyle and what you want for your vision. For example, if you want to be less dependent and free from glasses, a multifocal or accommodating IOL can do that. If you have astigmatism, a toric IOL is ideal. The best approach is to consult an Eye Doctor for this.
-
What do I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?Avoid food and fluids after midnight on the night before surgery. Your eye doctor may also ask you to stop some medications and to start some prescribed eye drops a few days beforehand. Arrange for transportation home after surgery.
-
How long does the surgery take?The surgery can last for 10 to 30 minutes all-in-one. You will be awake but put under local anesthesia to have your eye numbed out. A small cut will be made at first by the Cataract surgeon followed by replacement of the cloudy lens by an artificial IOL. You might experience slight pressure but no pain.
-
How long until I'm recovered?A: Most patients begin to show improvement in just a few days. Complete recovery and vision stabilization often takes several weeks. Your vision will continue to improve as your eye heals.
-
What is your success rate with cataract surgeries?Today, cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgeries. More than 95% of my patients have improved vision significantly after the surgery.
-
And if complications occur after surgery--what then?If you have bothersome symptoms such as increasing pain, sudden loss of vision, increasing redness, or swelling, please do not hesitate to call us. This will facilitate acquiring treatment for complications as quickly as possible.
