Diseases of the Retina

1. RETINAL DETACHMENT

Common diseases of the retina include retinal detachment. This is a separation of the retina from the choroid, a layer of the eye filled with blood vessels between the retina and the whites of the eye. The cause can be an eye accident, tumour, inflammatory disease, but it can also occur for no apparent reason.  Risk factors for its development include male gender, glaucoma, myopia or peripheral retinal degeneration. The main symptoms are loss of vision in part or all of the visual field, often up to the level of practical blindness in the affected eye.

How to recover from retinal detachment?

Retinal detachment is a very serious disease that can lead to complete blindness. The basis for successful treatment is a surgical operation to replace the retina. This should be done as soon as possible after the diagnosis of retinal detachment.

Who is suitable for surgery

Myopic patients have a higher risk of retinal detachment. If you experience symptoms of this retinal disease (floaters, flashes …), do not hesitate to seek medical advice and undergo a preventive check-up.

 2. DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

What is diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease associated with diabetes. It is caused by an increased amount of glucose in the blood, which damages and blocks the thin retinal blood vessels through successive changes in blood flow and changes in the walls of the blood vessels. This leads to haemorrhage in the retina, hypoaemia and swelling of its parts, as well as the formation of blockages in small blood vessels. This is a very dangerous disease that often leads to blindness. Symptoms usually only appear when they pose a direct threat to the patient’s vision.

How is diabetic retinopathy treated?

Prevention and periodic medical examinations are very important, especially in patients with diabetes. They should undergo this examination at least once a year. There are various degrees of diabetic retinopathy. Treatment is determined accordingly.

Laser coagulation of the retina.

Pars plana vitrectomy (in advanced cases)

Injections containing an active substance to prevent the growth of new, defective, bleeding vessels.

The aim of the treatment is to slow down and stabilise the disease and improve the patient’s vision.

Who is suitable for surgery

The suitability of the operation must be assessed individually by the doctor during the preoperative examination.