Retinal Health Matters: Key insights on disorders and treatments

Retinal disorders can significantly impact vision and if left untreated can lead to serious and sometimes permanent vision impairment and blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving any visual impairment. Staying informed about symptoms and seeking timely medical care can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy vision.Early detection and regular eye exams are crucial for preventing vision loss from retinal disorders. If we experience any changes in our vision, consulting an eye doctor without delay is the best mantra to safeguard vision issues.
Certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact retinal health. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to UV radiation, a diet low in antioxidants, and certain medications can all increase the risk of developing retinal disorders. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular eye exams, individuals can effectively reduce their risk of experiencing these vision problems.
Retinal conditions such as Diabetic Retinopathy, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Retinal Detachment, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Hole, Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR), and Uveitis require prompt attention to prevent serious vision loss. Diabetic Retinopathy results from damaged retinal blood vessels due to high blood sugar, leading to blurred vision and potential blindness. AMD, common in older adults, affects central vision, with two types: dry (slow progression) and wet (more severe). Retinal Detachment, often caused by trauma, is a medical emergency that can result in blindness if untreated. Retinitis Pigmentosa is a genetic disorder that gradually leads to night blindness and tunnel vision. Macular Holes, often due to aging, impact central vision and may require surgery. CSR, linked to stress, involves fluid buildup under the retina but often resolves on its own. Uveitis, inflammation of the eye’s middle layer, can cause pain and light sensitivity, requiring steroids to reduce inflammation. Early detection and treatment is the main rule for any of the eye related issues to manage if effectively and prevent it from escalating to visual impairment.
Here are five common retinal disorders, their importance and potential treatment.
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, making it a common complication of diabetes. It is a leading cause of vision loss, particularly among working-age adults. In the early stages, the condition may not present any noticeable symptoms but as it progresses, individuals may experience blurred vision, dark spots (floaters), difficulty seeing at night, and in severe cases, sudden vision loss.
Treatment options for diabetic retinopathy vary depending on the stage of the disease. Laser therapy (photocoagulation) is often used to seal leaking blood vessels and prevent further damage. Anti-VEGF injections, including drugs like Ranibizumab, Aflibercept and brolucizumab are also used to reduce swelling and slow disease progression by targeting abnormal blood vessel growth. Dexamethasone implant is also used to reduce macular edema. In more advanced cases, vitrectomy may be required. This surgical procedure removes blood and scar tissue from the vitreous gel inside the eye to improve vision.
Preventing diabetic retinopathy involves regular eye exams for individuals with diabetes, alongside maintaining good control of blood sugar levels. Early detection and timely treatment is the key to preserve vision and prevent further complications.
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal condition that primarily affects individuals over the age of 50, causing damage to the macula, part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. Dry is more common, and wet is more severe. As the condition progresses, people may experience blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, dark spots in their central field of vision and a loss of fine vision details making daily activities like reading or driving challenging.
While there is no cure for dry AMD, progression can sometimes be slowed through the use of dietary supplements containing vitamins C, E, zinc, and lutein. For the more aggressive wet AMD, treatment options include anti-VEGF injections which help control abnormal blood vessel growth.
Preventing AMD involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens, quit smoking, attending regular eye check-ups and protecting the eyes from UV light. Early detection and management are critical for preserving vision and reducing the impact of AMD on daily life.

3. Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, pulls away from its underlying supportive tissue. This condition can be triggered by factors such as trauma, severe nearsightedness, or aging. If not treated promptly, retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness. Key symptoms include sudden flashes of light, an increase in floaters (dark spots or lines in the vision), and the appearance of a shadow or "curtain" descending over the field of vision.
Treatment options depend on the severity and include laser surgery or cryopexy to seal retinal tears, vitrectomy to remove the vitreous gel and reattach the retina, and scleral buckle, a surgical procedure where a flexible band is placed around the eye to press the outer wall against the detached retina. Retinal detachment is a medical emergency. An immediate intervention plays a major role in preventing irreversible vision loss.
4. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, making early detection and treatment crucial. Glaucoma is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Individuals may not notice any changes in their vision initially. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include blurred vision, halos around lights, and a gradual loss of peripheral vision. Glaucoma, if left untreated, can lead to permanent vision loss. Treatment options focus on reducing eye pressure and may involve the use of medicated eye drops, laser surgery, or conventional surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Regular eye check-ups are essential for early diagnosis and effective management.

5. Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited genetic disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina’s photoreceptor cells, which are responsible for capturing light and transmitting visual information to the brain. Over time, these cells deteriorate, leading to gradual vision loss. Common symptoms of RP include night blindness, where individuals struggle to see in low light conditions and loss of peripheral vision, often referred to as tunnel vision. As the condition progresses, adapting to changes in light becomes increasingly difficult. While there is currently no cure for RP, certain treatments such as gene therapy, retinal implants, and vitamin A supplementation can help slow its progression. Ongoing research in areas like stem cell therapy offers hope for potential future treatments.
(Article Courtesy: Dr. Devi Priya, Retina Consultant & Chief Medical Officer, Sankara Eye Hospital, RS Puram, Coimbatore)