Treating retinal disease

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Among all of the diseases of the eye, retinal disease may be the least well known in America because it is not as well publicized in the media as some other eye disorders. Retinal disease is actually a phrase that refers to a whole slew of retinal problems that vary in severity and treatment options. Many of them result from the natural aging process and occur most often in patients over 60 years old.
One of the most common of the retinal diseases is retinal detachment. This disease occurs when the gel-like substance in the eye cavity shrinks or sags. This leads to fluid passing through a break, which in turn results in the retina pulling away. You will know you are at risk of retinal detachment if you begin seeing sudden flashes of light or “floaters,” which are like little particles that appear to be floating by your eyes.
If you are nearing retinal detachment, or it has already occurred, you are going to need surgery to correct it. Obviously the surgery is greater and more complex if the detachment has already happened. That is why it is important to get to your doctor right away if you have the symptoms listed above.
Another retinal disease is called macular hole. The macula is the tissue near the center of the retina. It is responsible for central vision. A hole in the macula can result from the sagging and shrinking of the vitreous gel, the same thing that can lead to retinal detachment. Be on the lookout for slight distortions or blurriness in your vision when looking directly ahead. As the disease worsens, you will actually have a blind spot in your vision.
Like retinal detachment, the only treatment for macular holes is surgery. During the surgery, a gas bubble will be placed in the eye which will help the macula heal itself. This healing takes place when the person is looking down, so some doctors will advise patients that they need to maintain a facedown position in the days or weeks following the procedure. The surgery has a high success rate.
Another retinal disease that affects persons with diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy. It is extremely common among diabetics, affecting about half of them. This is a highly serious condition because it can result in blindness. Blurry vision occurs because diabetics have excess glucose in the blood stream and this often leads to the capillaries in the back of the eye to leak fluids and swell up. Because of the risk of this condition, persons with diabetes need to see an opthamologist each year. They should also work to keep their blood sugar in check, as that helps abate the disease somewhat.
For those with an advanced case of diabetic retinopathy, surgery will likely be required. A doctor typically uses a laser to create burns on the retina to stop leakage. The doctor may also do a procedure that helps to remove blood or tissue in the eye cavity.
Retinal diseases can be quite serious and if you suspect you may have any of them, be sure to contact your doctor. Also, be sure to stay current with your eye checkups so that any problems can be found early.


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