The retina and vitreous are essential parts of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye, while the vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eyeball.

Some of the most common retinal problems include:

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Age-Related Retinal Degeneration (Macular Degeneration)
• Retinal Detachment
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR)
• Myopic degeneration

Most retinal diseases share common symptoms. However, these symptoms are not always present in both eyes.

You should reach out to an ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:

• Blurred vision
• A distorted vision that makes straight lines appear wavy
• Seeing cobwebs or floating specks
• Flashes of light
• Side vision defects
• Vision loss

Many retinal disorders may not present with any symptoms till late in the stage of disease. If you have any of the following risk factors you should get an annual retina check-up:

• Ageing (>40 years of age)
• Diabetes, hypertension or other such diseases
• Myopia
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Eye trauma
• Family history of retinal diseases

Retina evaluation

With advancing technology it is now possible to detect and evaluate retinal disorders at an early stage with accuracy.

Your ophthalmologist examines your retina be means of ophthalmoscopy ( slit lamp 90D or indirect)

They may ask you to undergo one or more of the following tests to further evaluate your retina:

Fundus photo -to take an image of the fundus — the back portion of the eye that includes the retina, macula, fovea, optic disc and posterior pole.

OCT Macula - With OCT, your ophthalmologist can see each of the retina’s distinctive layers, thereby getting a clearer picture of your disease.

Fundus fluorescein angiography – Helps the ophthalmologist look at the blood vessels in your retina clearly and look for any areas of blockage or leakage.

USG B scan – You may be advised this test if your doctor is not able to see your retina ( due to advanced cataract or vitreous haemorrhage etc) . This tests helps see if your retina is in place or not.

Treatments offered

The retinal treatments are sophisticated today. Having an expert ophthalmologist ensures that you get the best results with minimal downtime and easy recovery.

Retina treatments can be in form of :

• Medications
• Injections
• Laser treatment
• Surgery

Injections

You may be advised to undergo an injection in your eye. Medication is instilled via these injections into the vitreous gel so that they can act on the retina over a course of time.

Intravitreal injections are generally recommended in cases of Exudative Age related macular degeneration (ARMD), Diabetic Maculopathy, Macular edema, Vitreous haemorrhage, Neovascular glaucoma, inflammation etc.

Various types of injections are available. Your doctor will advise the best injection suited to your condition. The injections pause vision loss and even improve vision. Multiple injections may be required over time.

The injections are painless and provided as day care procedure.

Retinal Laser Treatments

Retinal laser treatments are of various kinds depending the disease and requirement. It is a non invasive OPD procedure.

Pan- Retinal Photocoagulation (PRP)

Laser is done to areas of retina with no/ low blood flow (ischemic areas). Laser is done away from centre of retina (macula).

It is usually completed in 3 sittings, one week apart.

PRP is done for disorders like - diabetic retinopathy, vein occlusions, vasculitis, retinopathy of prematurity.

Focal laser

Laser done to areas of leakage near the macula.

Focal Laser is done for conditions like - Diabetic macular edema, Central serous chorio-retinopathy (CSCR), Retinal artery microaneurysm(RAM)

Delimiting Laser (Barrage Laser)

This type of laser done to seal breaks in the retina to prevent Retinal detachment.

Delimiting laser is done for peripheral retinal degenerations, tears/ holes in retinal periphery.

Vitreo - Retinal Surgery (VR Surgery)

With advancing technology, the vitreo-retinal surgeries have become sophisticated. The surgeries are now minimally invasive and suture- less.

You may be advised a VR surgery for – Retinal detachment, Vitreous haemorrhage, Macular Hole, Diabetic tractional detachment, Posterior dislocation of lens/ IOL , vitritis, among others.

The surgery is done with 3 microincisions made in the white part of the eye. Vitrectomy is done to remove the vitreous and any tissue tugging on the retina. Various others procedures are performed depending on the indication for surgery and condition of the retina. The vitreous cavity is then left with fluid, air, gas or silicone oil.

It may take several months for your vision to improve after surgery. Strict bed rest and head positioning might be recommended after the surgery. You cannot travel by Air or to high altitude for some time if gas tamponade is used. Surgery for oil removal is needed about 3 months after the first surgery if oil is used for tamponade.