While there is no cure for most retinal disorders, there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms and minimize the impact on daily activities.
If you have been diagnosed with a retinal disorder, it’s important to maintain close contact with your ophthalmologist so that you can receive the care and treatment you need. These conditions can cause vision problems, and in some cases, retinal disorders can lead to blindness if they are not treated. Retinal disorders can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Medical Retina
There are several different medical conditions that can affect the back of the eye, and these are treated using drugs, eye drops, and injections.
The most common conditions treated with include diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal dystrophies. The treatment for these conditions may vary, but may include drugs to treat high blood pressure, glaucoma, or diabetes. Some eye drops or injections may be used to reduce pressure inside the eye, or medications to slow the progression of vision loss may be prescribed.
When To Take Action
For some conditions, such as macular degeneration, there are no current cures and treatment is focused on slowing the decline of vision.
It’s important to see your doctor if you experience vision problems such as blurry or double vision, flashing lights, or shadowed vision. Early detection and treatment of retinal disorders can help prevent vision loss.
Age related macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among people age 60 and older. It’s a common condition that usually has no symptoms in its early stages, but it can lead to serious vision problems if left untreated.
The macula is a small part of the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye) that is responsible for detailed vision, like reading. Macular degeneration happens when the macula starts to break down, which leads to reduced vision. The most common form of macular degeneration — age-related macular degeneration — affects millions of people worldwide, and there’s currently no cure. Early detection and treatment can help to reduce vision loss.
Vein and Artery Occlusions
An occlusion occurs when a blood vessel is blocked. This can happen due to clogged arteries or a blood clot. Blood flow to the eye is provided by the ophthalmic artery and the central retinal artery. If either of these arteries becomes blocked, the eye can become damaged.
Surgical Retina
Some people may experience a deterioration in their vision, or even lose their vision, due to retinal disorders. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to help improve vision or reduce the risk of vision loss.
An ophthalmologist or other eye doctor will determine if you are a candidate for vision correction surgery. Vision correction surgery may be recommended if you have very poor vision due to a retinal disorder, have experienced significant vision changes due to a retinal disorder or experience recurrent retinal disorders due to an underlying condition.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retinal tissue starts to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with nourishment. It may cause a loss of vision or even blindness if left untreated.
During retinal detachment surgery, the ophthalmologist will reattach the detached retina. Eyecare professionals advise patients to maintain healthy habits to reduce their risk of retinal detachment.
Retinal Tear
A retinal tear may cause a sudden decrease in vision or the disappearance of vision in one eye, often with a streak of light in the vision.
A retinal tear may or may not heal on its own. If the tear doesn’t heal, it may cause a retinal detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
