Retinal Tear

A retinal tear happens when there is a tear or hole in the retina. This typically occurs when the vitreous, which is a jelly-like substance in the eye, attaches to the retina and pulls hard enough to tear it. This can happen when the vitreous detaches as part of the aging process, or it can result from trauma.

Retinal tears can cause blurry vision, the sudden onset of floaters, or flashes of light.

It is important for people to receive treatment for a retinal tear, as it may result in retinal detachment. This is a more serious condition that affects vision.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when a buildup of fluid, which usually enters through a retinal tear, causes the retina to detach from the choroid, which is the eye layer that provides it with oxygen and nutrients.

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency that, without treatment, may lead to permanent vision loss.

Diabetic/Hypertensive Retinopathy

India is a leader in diabetes and hypertension. Sedentary lifestyle and eating habits are causing a major epidemic of these diseases. Both cause leakage of blood vessels and damage to the retina if uncontrolled.

Diabetic retinopathy complications today is a leading cause of blindness among adults.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion, or eye stroke, is a blood vessel disorder wherein branches of the retinal vein become occluded, causing fluid and blood to spill onto the retina.

The blockage cuts off circulation, which can cause nerve cells to die, leading to vision loss.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) usually occurs in old age and causes severe vision loss if not diagnosed early.With this condition, the macula deteriorates and causes distorted central vision, which may worsen over time and cause permanent vision loss.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic degenerative condition that causes a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. This can cause a progressive loss of vision.

Common retinal symptoms are floaters, visual loss, flashes of light , loss of night vision, difference in color perception, distortion in images etc.

Diagnosis

It involves a detailed history of symptoms and systemic evaluation of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension by an ophthalmologist followed by a complete eye examination. Specialized tests such as OCT and FFA may also be required.

Treatment : The goal of treatment is to prevent visual loss . Various modalities such as medications, eye injections, lasers and surgery are available for treatment.

Uveitis:

Uveitis is inflammation inside your eye. Inflammation usually happens when your immune system is fighting an infection. Sometimes uveitis means your immune system is fighting an eye infection — but it can also happen when your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your eyes. Uveitis can cause problems like pain, redness, and vision loss. It can affect one or both eyes.

The uvea comprises of iris, ciliary body and choroid.

What are the types of uveitis?

Different types of uveitis affect different parts of the eye.

• Anterior uveitis affects the iris at the front of the eye. It’s the most common type, and it’s usually less serious.
• Intermediate uveitis affects the ciliary body and the vitreous (gel-like fluid that fills the eye).
• Posterior uveitis affects the retina and the choroid at the back of the eye.
• Panuveitis affects all parts of the uvea, from the front to the back of the eye.

What are the symptoms of uveitis?

Early uveitis symptoms usually start suddenly. Symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Floaters
• Eye pain
• Red eyes
• Sensitivity to light

What causes uveitis:

The three main reasons for uveitis are infections (viral, bacterial, fungi and parasites), autoimmune diseases (AIDS, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc.) and tumors.

Treatment: There are various modalities available after an ophthalmologist determines the severity and extent of the disease using examination techniques and relevant investigations.

Eye drops, Pills, Injections and eye implants are available for treatment of the disease.