The retina is a very thin tissue located at the back of the eyeball and consists of light-sensitive cells. It assumes the main task of perceiving, processing and transmitting visual data to the brain. The shape, color, movement and details of the objects we see can be perceived thanks to the retina. However, this sensitive structure can be affected by various diseases and cause serious visual impairments and even permanent vision loss. Retinal diseases can lead to irreversible results if not diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Therefore, knowing retinal diseases, their symptoms and modern treatment methods is of great importance both in preventing diseases and in stopping their progression.
What are Retinal Diseases?
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when small blood vessels in the eye are damaged due to long-term diabetes. This disease, which affects the retinal vessels, usually progresses slowly over the years. It may not show symptoms in the early stages, but in later stages it can cause complaints such as blurred vision, macular edema, sudden vision loss, flashes of light and black spots. The formation of abnormal blood vessels and the leakage of these vessels damage the retinal tissue. If not treated in time, it carries the risk of permanent blindness.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Macular Degeneration)
This disease, which is usually seen in individuals over the age of 50, affects the central part of the retina called the macula. When this area, where vision is clearest, begins to deteriorate, especially close-range vision skills such as reading and facial recognition are seriously affected. It is divided into two types: dry and wet. In the dry type, the macula cells wear out over time, while in the wet type, new blood vessels develop, causing leakage and bleeding in this area. The wet type progresses much faster and can lead to serious vision loss.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is the separation of the retinal layer from the supporting tissue underneath. This separation can cut off the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the retina, causing the cells to die and causing sudden vision loss. Symptoms include flashes of light, a feeling of a curtain in vision, sudden vision loss and floaters. If not treated immediately, permanent blindness can develop.
Retinal Vein Occlusions
Obstructions in the retinal veins usually cause sudden and painless vision loss. The obstruction can affect the central or peripheral veins. Since circulation in the blocked vein is impaired, fluid leaks out of the vein and edema develops in the surrounding tissues. The most common causes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.
Macular Degeneration
A small tear or hole can form in the middle of the macula, usually due to age or after trauma. This condition manifests itself with straight lines appearing crooked, decreased central vision and blurring. If detected at an early stage, it can be successfully treated with surgical methods.
Epiretinal Membrane
It occurs when a thin membrane develops on the surface of the retina. This membrane can pull on the retinal tissue, causing waviness, image distortion and double vision. While mild cases do not require treatment, this membrane can be removed with vitrectomy in severe cases.
Symptoms of Retinal Diseases
Retinal diseases can present themselves with many different symptoms. However, some diseases progress insidiously and can only be noticed in advanced stages. The most common symptoms are:
Sudden or slowly developing decrease in vision
Black spots or “flying flies” in the field of vision
Flashes of light
Darkening or shadowing in a part of the field of vision
Paleness or confusion in colors
Straight lines appearing crooked or wavy
Difficulty reading and inability to recognize faces
When these symptoms are noticed, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist without wasting time.
Diagnosis of Retinal Diseases
A correct and early diagnosis of retinal diseases forms the basis of successful treatment. The diagnostic process usually proceeds as follows:
Eye examination: The pupil is dilated with drops and the retina is examined in detail. Retinal vessels, nerve layers and the macula region are observed.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): It provides detailed and cross-sectional images of the retinal layer, providing information especially about macular edema, holes, membrane formation and degenerative changes.
Fluorescein Angiography: The retinal vascular structure is visualized with a special dye administered intravenously. With this method, leaky vessels, new blood vessels and circulatory disorders can be detected. Thanks to these advanced examinations, the disease can be detected even at a very early stage and a treatment plan can be made accordingly.
Treatment Methods for Retinal Diseases
The treatment of retinal diseases varies depending on the type of disease and the degree of progression:
Laser Treatment
It is used especially in diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears. The progression of the disease can be stopped by closing the bleeding risk or leaking areas on the retina with laser. In addition, areas at risk of retinal detachment can be fixed with laser.
Intraocular Needle (Anti-VEGF Injections)
This method, which is applied in macular edema, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, involves administering special drugs into the retina via needle. These drugs suppress abnormal vascular formation and reduce fluid accumulation on the retina.
Vitrectomy Surgery
It is a surgical procedure performed by removing the vitreous gel in the eye and replacing it with transparent liquids, gas or silicone oil. It is preferred in cases of retinal detachment, macular hole, bleeding and membrane formations. Thanks to modern vitrectomy devices, the procedure has become more comfortable and successful.
Photodynamic Therapy
A special light-sensitive drug is administered intravenously to target abnormal blood vessels on the retina. This drug is then activated with a low-intensity laser, which only affects diseased blood vessels and does not harm healthy tissue.
Rehabilitation and Visual Aids
In advanced-stage retinal patients, vision may not be fully restored. In this case, the patient’s quality of life can be improved with special glasses, magnifiers and visual rehabilitation training.