Retina
Retina is the innermost layer of the eye. It converts the light entering the eye into electrical signals, and transmits them via Optic nerve to the brain. The brain analyzes these impulses and that’s how we perceive vision. It is the most important part in the visual system.
Common Retinal Disorders
Types
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Retinal Detachment
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Retinal Dystrophies
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide. In diabetic retinopathy tiny blood vessels of retina get blocked and then leak causing damage to retina. The blocked blood vessels lead to formation of delicate new vessels which can cause bleeding, retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Treatment for Retina
Laser
Laser is an effective treatment option for blocked/ leaking vessels. Lasers can prevent further damage to unaffected retina and prevent vision loss.
Retina Treatment (cont'd)
Anti_VeGF Intra-Vitreal Injections
In cases with oedema, neovascularisation Anti-VeGF injections are very useful. Anti-VeGF injections inhibit formation of neovascularisation and in early stages can cause regression as well. They are an important treatment tool for managing diabetic retinopathy. The injections are given under topical anaesthesia in an out-patient setting. Patient can resume their daily routine the next day. There are various Anti-Vegf agents such as Aflibercept (Eylea), Ranibizumab (Accentrix) and Bevacizumab (Avastin). Our surgeons will guide you to choose the best option for your eyes.
Retina Treatment (Cont'd)
Vitrectomy Surgery
If a patient develops severe diabetic retinopathy complications such as vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment, vitrectomy surgery has to be done. With advanced techniques and technology, it can be performed without sutures with faster recovery and better outcomes.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening eye condition. In this, the retina gets detached from the choroid causing loss of vision. It’s an emergency condition and requires surgical intervention at the earliest.
The main risk factors are Myopia, Trauma, Previous Surgeries & Diabetic Retinopathy.
Symptoms
How Retinal Detachment is Treated
Barrage Laser
Retinal degenerations such as Retinal Tears, Holes & Lattice degeneration can be lasered if identified in time and thus prevent retinal detachment. It’s an out-patient procedure and the patient can resume normal activities from the next day.
Vitrectomy Surgery
Surgery is the main treatment modality in management of retinal detachment.. With advanced technique and technology, it can be performed without sutures with faster recovery and better outcome.
Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is one of the major causes of blindness in people over 50 years of age. It affects the retina causing central vision loss. Macular degeneration does not cause complete blindness, as it affects only the central retina.
It is caused by sclerosis of the arteries that nourish the retina depriving it of the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to function and thrive. New vessels form choroidal neovascular membrane to improve the blood supply to oxygen deprived retina. These new vessels are very friable and leak easily, causing damage to the surrounding retina
There are 2 types - Dry ARMD and Wet ARMD
Risk factors
- Age above 50 years
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Eating saturated fats
Symptoms
How Macular Degeneration is Treated
Regular check up after the age of 50 years can detect early ARMD changes and treatment can be started earlier.
How to reduce the risk of developing ARMD
Research shows that you may be able to lower your risk or slow the progression of ARMD by making these healthy choices:
- Avoid smoking
- Regular physical activity
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat healthy foods, including leafy green vegetables and fish
Treatments
Supplements
An Age Related Eye Disease Study found that a combination of vitamins and minerals may slow the progression of dry ARMD. AREDS supplements include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, Zinc, Copper, Zeaxanthin, and Beta-Carotine.
Laser
Laser photo-coagulation of abnormal vessels and leaking areas can reduce swelling and improve vision.
Injections
In cases with wet ARMD-oedema, neovascularisation, Anti-VeGF injections are very useful. Anti-VeGF injections inhibit formation of abnormal vessels which leak and in early stages can cause regression as well. They are administered under topical anesthesia and as an out-patient procedure. Normal activites can be resumed within a day.
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