Retinal Services at SaarthNetralay boast of world class imaging systems for advanced diagnosis and pattern LASER photocoagulator used in management of various retinal diseases. The hospital caters to all types of retinal diseases from Retinal Detachment and Advanced Diabetic retinopathy  and Age related maculopathy to Ocular Trauma. The hospital offers a complete range of facilities for diagnosis and treatment of hereditary retinal disorders and Uveal disorders which have a large overlap with retinal disorders.The hospital is committed to provide screening services for Diabetic retinopathy and hold regular patient education programmes at centres willing to participate in control of blindness due to DiabetesThe hospital would also encompass screening and comprehensive management of Retinopahty of Prematurity  (ROP), condition affecting premature infants with serious threat of total blindness.

What is retina in our eye?

The Retina in our eye, is a nerve tissue that lies at the back of the eye and is responsible for the sense of the light, and creates an impulse or series of impulse that travels through the optic nerve to our brain. Retina is the most important part of the eye and is responsible for the vision to happen. Due to its importance in the eye, any damage to the retina can result in permanent damage to the eye and complete vision loss.

What are the types of diseases associated with Retina and their symptoms?

1]Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):

Age-Related Macular Degeneration or AMD, often occurs at the later stage of life and is related to a central vision loss in eye.  Almost 3% of the world population have this condition and lose their vision partially or completely.The symptoms can include blurry vision, warped central lines, and difficulty in focusing on a single point. In some severe cases blind spots can also appear making it difficult for the person to clearly see things. Fortunately, there are treatments for AMD which may include blocking the growth of unhealthy blood vessels or giving oral nutritional supplements and anti oxidants..

2}Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy mainly occurs to those people who have diabetes over a prolonged period of time. In Diabetic Retinopathy, the retina muscles become weak resulting in blurry vision, double vision, floaters or pressure in eyes. Diabetic Retinopathy is a treatable disease and can be treated using laser surgery and by controlling the Diabetes.

3}Retinal Detachment:

Retinal Detachment is a major problem and should be not considered lightly. When too much fluid accumulates at the back of the eye this can result in causing separation of the retina. There are also other risk factors which can increase the chances of Retinal Detachment over a period of time:

• Extreme nearsightedness ( High myopia )
• Previous retinal detachment in the other eye
• Genetic predisposition
• Previous complicated cataract surgery
• The presence of other eye disorders
• Eye injury

If you are experiencing an increased presence of floaters over a period of time, or the sudden development of a curtain like structure in your field of vision, this can be an indication of retinal detachment. It is highly recommended that you visit an eye doctor immediately. An early, intervention can reduce the chances of permanent vision loss.

4}RetinitisPigmentosa:

This type of disease is normally associated with heredity and genetics. In Retinitis Pigmentosa, there is a gradual loss of vision over a period of time as rods and cones die and cause retinal degeneration. Leber’s congenital amaurosis, Usher syndrome, Bardet-Biedel syndrome, rod-cone disease, and Refsum disease are some examples of conditions that are classified as retinitis pigmentosa.

5}Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO):

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) is also one of a common disease that occurs in the retina and is responsible for complete vision loss over a period of time. RVO is classified according to where the occlusion is located. Occlusion of the central retinal vein at the level of the optic nerve is referred to as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

6}Vitreomacular Adhesion:

VitreomacularAdhesion(VMA) is a condition of the retina in which the vitreous gel of the eye adheres to the retina in an uncommon way. This mainly happens in old age, when vitreous tries to separate itself from the retina. But when the separation is partial, this can cause a pulling effect on the retina causing a blurry or loss of visionor even a hole formation..

How are retinal diseases diagnosed?

Retinal diseases can be related to aging, family history of Diabetes, trauma to the eye or any other diseases which may affect the normal functioning of the eye. At Cosmos eye clinic, we will ensure that you get the proper treatment for your eye. Our ophthalmologist will first examine your eye and conduct a thorough examination and will look for any abnormalities.

Can a damaged retina be cured?

Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the progression of the disease as well as loss of vision, and aid in vision restoration. The time taken for the vision to be restored depends on the severity of the disease.  There is a possibility that vision may never fully recover. There are several treatment options available to treat a damaged retina.

One or multiple treatments can be combined, including:

• Laser surgery
• Photocoagulation abnormal blood vessels
• Cryopexy: Extreme cold therapy used to treat the retinal tears
• Injecting air or gas to treat retinal detachment
• Injecting medication into the eyes
• Vitrectomy: Surgery to remove the vitreous fluid
• Retinal prosthesis: This can help restore vision to those who have blindness. A small electrode chip is implanted in the retina that receives input from a video camera attached to a pair of eyeglasses
• Treatment of underlying medical conditions
• Diet and lifestyle modifications to improve retinal strength: A healthy diet rich in nutrients (especially vitamin A), adequate rest, and adequate hydration with management of physical and emotional stress
• Avoiding eye stress by taking breaks from the screen or while reading