How To Detect and Treat Retinal Diseases?
Your eyes can tell a lot more than you think. They are the windows to your health, and many diseases can be detected by simply looking into them. Retinal diseases, in particular, can cause vision problems and even lead to blindness if left untreated.
Thankfully, it’s possible to detect and treat these conditions before they become irreversible. In this article, we’ll explain what retinal diseases are, the types of these conditions, the warning signs to watch out for, and some ways to prevent them. Let’s get started!
What are Retinal Diseases?
Retinal diseases are conditions that affect the back of your eye, otherwise known as the retina. The retina’s role involves absorbing light and relaying signals to your brain, thus ensuring your vision is clear. However, if the tissue in this region suffers damage or weakening, the consequence could be impaired vision, ranging from fuzziness to complete loss of sight.
People of all ages can develop retinal diseases, but the risk increases with age. This is because the eye becomes more prone to damage and deterioration over time. Some retinal diseases are acquired, while others can be congenital, meaning they’re passed down genetically.
Types of Retinal Diseases
Now that you know a bit about retinal diseases, let’s take a look at some of the specific types.
Retinal tear
A retinal tear is a split in the retina tissue that can cause blurred vision and floaters. This happens when the vitreous gel, which helps keep your eyes in shape, pulls away from the retina and causes it to tear. The shrinking of the vitreous gel is called a posterior vitreous detachment and is usually harmless.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment, a condition characterized by the retina separating from its customary position and inducing vision loss, often stems from a rupture or perforation in the retina that lets fluid seep into the eye. This particular manifestation, known as a rhegmatogenous detachment, necessitates surgical intervention for correction.
Age-related macular degeneration
This is a common condition that affects people over the age of 50.This condition progressively undermines sight in the macula, the retinal sector entrusted with your principal vision. Age-related macular degeneration cannot be cured, but treatments are available to slow its progression.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy manifests as a complication of diabetes, impacting the blood vessels within your retina. It can cause blurriness, floaters, and vision loss if left untreated. People with diabetes should check their eyes regularly to ensure they’re not developing this type of retinal disease.
How to Spot the Warning Signs of Retinal Diseases?
Early detection is key when it comes to retinal diseases. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and seek medical help if you experience any of them. Here are some common symptoms:
• Blurred vision or decreased vision
• Seeing floating spots or flashes of light
• Difficulty adapting to low-light environments
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Poor color vision and distorted vision
• Dark spots or “holes” in your vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to get a comprehensive eye exam right away. Your medical practitioner has the ability to identify and manage the disorder before it inflicts irreversible harm.
Prevention of Retinal Diseases
The best way to prevent retinal diseases is to care for your eyes. Here are some tips to help keep your vision healthy:
Get regular eye exams and check-ups
Make sure to get a comprehensive eye exam every year. This will help your doctor detect any warning signs of retinal diseases early on, so you can immediately take action.
Protect your eyes from UV rays
Wear sunglasses or hats when you’re out in the sun to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. It’s also important to avoid looking directly at the sun.
Keep your diabetes in check
Those living with diabetes bear a heightened risk of acquiring retinal disorders. Maintaining diabetes through a balanced diet, consistent physical activity, and adhering to physician-prescribed medication is paramount.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Indulging in habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol can escalate your susceptibility to retinal diseases, hence the significance of minimizing such practices.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal Diseases
Once a retinal disease has been diagnosed, several treatments are available to help manage the condition. depending on your unique requirements, your physician will deliberate and suggest the most suitable course of action for you.
Laser treatments
Laser treatments often treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. These treatments can help prevent further damage to the retina and even improve vision in some cases.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair a detached retina. A vitrectomy or scleral buckle procedure can help reattach the retina and restore vision.
Injections
Intravitreal injections are used to treat diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. These injections help reduce inflammation and can slow the progression of these conditions.
Medications or supplements
Certain medications or natural supplements may help manage retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration. Your doctor will let you know what options are available to you.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy, an emergent treatment technique, involves the introduction of a photosensitive drug into the circulatory system, which is then triggered using a laser. This can help reduce swelling and slow vision loss in certain retinal diseases.
Conclusion
Retinal diseases can be devastating, but with the correct diagnosis, treatment, and care, many people can experience improved vision. Prompt identification serves as a critical factor in effectively treating retinal disease and averting irreversible damage or loss of sight.
Regular eye exams are important to your overall health and should not be neglected. Your ophthalmologist will be able to provide you with more information about the diagnosis, treatment, and care of retinal diseases.
With proper detection and treatment, you are sure to experience improved vision and a better quality of life. Be proactive and stay informed about your vision health to enjoy the best sight for many years.
Dr. Joseph Cohen O.D.
Woodland Hills Optometrist
Receive an Excellent Service and Comprehensive Eye Care
(818) 345-3937
Providing service in English and Farsi
19737 Ventura Blvd., Suite 201, Woodland Hills, CA 91364