Retinal Diseases and Surgery

The retina is the light-sensitive inner layer at the back of the eye. It contains photoreceptor cells called cones and rods. About 95% of vision occurs in the central part of the retina known as the macula. Common retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration can severely affect this area. The central part of the eye is filled with a gel-like structure called the vitreous body.

Diagnostic Methods for Retinal Diseases

• Ocular Angiography (FFA and ICGA)
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Treatments for Retinal Conditions

• Retinal tear and detachment surgery
• Treatment of intraocular (retinal) hemorrhages
• Ocular trauma surgery and foreign body removal
• Treatment of intraocular inflammation and uveitis

Diabetic Eye Disease

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss among working-age adults. It damages the retina and increases the risk of glaucoma, dry eye, and cataract. Early diagnosis using FFA and OCT helps prevent blindness.

Treatment Options:

• Argon Laser Therapy – Used in early to moderate stages.
• Intravitreal Drug Injections – For macular edema.
• Vitreoretinal Surgery (Vitrectomy) – Required for advanced cases with bleeding or detachment.

Macular Degeneration (Age-Related)

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness after age 45. It involves damage to the macula and is associated with abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina.

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Diagnosed via FFA, ICGA, and OCT
• Treated with intraocular injections
• Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is another option for selected cases

Vitreoretinal Surgery (Vitrectomy)

Vitrectomy is a microsurgical technique for treating retinal detachment, intraocular bleeding, trauma, and advanced diabetic eye disease. It is performed by making three small incisions in the eye (each about 1 mm). Depending on the condition, gas, silicone, or fluid may be injected. The surgery typically requires no stitches.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

ROP is a retinal disease that affects premature infants and can cause permanent blindness if not diagnosed early.

Risk Factors for ROP:

• Birth weight under 1300 g or less than 30 weeks gestation
• Birth weight under 1500 g and oxygen therapy in NICU
• Complications like apnea, sepsis, transfusions, intracranial bleeding, or lung disease

ROP Screening and Monitoring:

The first ROP eye exam should be done between 4 to 6 weeks after birth using dilating eye drops. Follow-up exams are repeated weekly or bi-weekly depending on disease severity until full-term age is reached.

Treatment for ROP:

• 80% of mild ROP cases resolve without intervention
• Laser treatment is essential for threshold-stage disease (within 72 hours)
• Advanced ROP may require vitrectomy

Timely diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases are critical to preserving vision. Regular eye examinations and early intervention can prevent severe complications, including blindness.