Symptoms
Symptoms of retinal diseases can vary widely depending on the specific condition but may include:
Blurred or distorted vision
Decreased night vision
Seeing floaters (small specks or clouds drifting in your vision)
Seeing flashes of light
Loss of peripheral vision
A dark or empty spot in the center of your vision
Sudden vision loss
Causes
The causes of retinal diseases are diverse and depend on the specific condition. Common causes include:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Deterioration of the macula, the central part of the retina.
Diabetic retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes.
Retinal detachment: Separation of the retina from the underlying tissue.
Retinal tears or holes: Breaks in the retina that can lead to detachment.
Macular hole: A small break in the macula.
Epiretinal membrane: A thin, scar-like tissue that forms on the surface of the retina.
Inherited disorders: Genetic conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Infections: Rare infections can affect the retina.
Inflammation: Inflammation (uveitis) can affect the retina.
Trauma: Injury to the eye.
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat retinal diseases vary depending on the specific condition and may include:
Anti-VEGF injections: Used to treat wet AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema. These drugs block the growth of new blood vessels. Examples include: Aflibercept (Eylea), Ranibizumab (Lucentis), Brolucizumab-dbll (Beovu), Faricimab-svoa (Vabysmo).
Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation in conditions like uveitis. Can be delivered via eye drops, injections, or oral medication.
Antibiotics/Antivirals/Antifungals: Used to treat infections affecting the retina.
Supplements: Certain supplements, like AREDS2 formula for AMD, may help slow the progression of some retinal diseases.
Is Communicable
Retinal diseases are generally not communicable. They are usually caused by genetic factors, age-related changes, underlying medical conditions (like diabetes), or injury. Infections of the eye that affect the retina are rare.
Precautions
Precautions to help protect your retinal health:
Regular eye exams: Especially important for people with risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of retinal disease.
Manage underlying medical conditions: Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes, and manage blood pressure.
Protect your eyes from the sun: Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial.
Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of many retinal diseases.
Eye Safety: Wear protective eyewear during activities with risk of eye injury.
How long does an outbreak last?
Retinal diseases are not typically considered "outbreaks." Instead, they are chronic or progressive conditions. The duration of symptoms and the overall course of the disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and its severity. Some conditions may be managed for many years with treatment, while others may progress more rapidly.
How is it diagnosed?
Retinal diseases are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include:
Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can see at different distances.
Dilated eye exam: Eye drops are used to widen the pupils, allowing the doctor to see the retina and other structures in the back of the eye.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.
Fluorescein angiography: A dye is injected into a vein, and pictures are taken of the blood vessels in the retina.
Fundus photography: Pictures are taken of the back of the eye.
Amsler grid: A grid used to detect distortion in central vision, often used to screen for macular degeneration.
Visual field testing: Assesses peripheral vision.
Electroretinography (ERG): Measures the electrical activity of the retina.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the specific retinal disease. Some conditions, like retinal detachment, may cause sudden vision loss. Others, like age-related macular degeneration, may progress slowly over many years. Some examples:
Diabetic Retinopathy: Early stages often have no symptoms. As it progresses, blurred vision, floaters, and eventually vision loss may occur. The timeline can vary from years to decades depending on diabetes control.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Dry AMD progresses slowly, with gradual blurring of central vision. Wet AMD progresses more rapidly, causing sudden distortion and vision loss.
Retinal Detachment: Sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow in the field of vision.
Important Considerations
Early detection is crucial: Many retinal diseases can be treated more effectively if diagnosed early.
Regular eye exams are essential: Especially if you have risk factors for retinal disease.
Follow your doctor's recommendations: Adhere to treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments.
Manage underlying medical conditions: Control blood sugar levels and blood pressure if you have diabetes or hypertension.
Vision rehabilitation: If you have vision loss from a retinal disease, consider vision rehabilitation services to help you adapt to your vision changes.
Research: Stay informed about your specific condition and new treatment options.