What is the retina?

It is a delicate layer at the back of the eye where the images are formed. It can be compared to the film in a manual camera or to a screen in a movie theatre.

What can go wrong with the retina?

The first problem is leakage of blood or liquid in the retina of diabetic patients.
The second important condition is age related macular degeneration or AMD. The third serious retinal disease is a retinal detachment, where the retina layer floats inside the eye instead of being attached; so, it cannot form images. There are many other retinal pathologies but these are the commoner ones.



What are the complaints of a patient in such conditions?

These patients have a painless drop in vision. Unfortunately, many patients do not realise this because they continue to see well with the other eye. Only on covering the good eye, they notice the poor vision.

Why do I sometimes see black objects floating in my eye?

It is common to see floaters of different shapes and sizes. These may be accompanied by flashes of light. These are usually harmless but a complete check-up of the retina is necessary to look for serious conditions.

What is the treatment for floaters?

Most of the times, the floaters are harmless. First the doctor will examine the retina to rule out any retinal holes or leakage. If these are present, then laser treatment or injections may be necessary, and in a few conditions, even surgery. However, most of the time, the floaters will melt away over a few weeks to months.

How is the retina checked?

For a complete check- up of the retina, eye drops are put to enlarge the pupil of the eye. This can take between half an hour to an hour in most patients. Then a powerful light is shone into the eye and the retinal details are seen with the help of specialised lenses. for LASIK.

Is it necessary to put dilating drops?

Absolutely yes! For a thorough retinal check-up, the pupil of the eye must be enlarged using eye drops. The down side is a glare and difficulty in seeing nearby objects for up to 4 hours.

Is there any side effect of repeated dilatation?

Not at all. There is no harm in dilating the pupil as many times as is necessary.

Are there any special tests in addition to this?

Yes, some patients may require tests like fundus photography, OCT, FFA, OCT angiography or B scan sonography depending on their complaint and the condition of the eye. Each of these tests is painless and can be done in a few minutes.

If I have no complaints, do I need a retina check-up?

If you are young and healthy, a retina check-up is not always necessary. There is no harm, however, except that the eye drops will make the vision blurred for a few hours. Diabetics, senior citizens, and patients with high numbers will need regular check-ups.

How can I keep my retina healthy?

You can adopt a healthy lifestyle: healthy food with a lot of greens, carrots, and beet; regular exercise especially if you have diabetes; and frequent retinal check-ups if you have a high minus spectacle power or a family history of retinal detachment.

Are some patients more at risk for having retinal weakness?

Yes, there are 3 groups of people who need to take extra care:

Firstly, the minus numbered because their retina can get holes and tear leading to retinal detachment

Second are the diabetics who need regular check-ups to prevent the complications of retinopathy

Lastly are the elderly who are at risk of age-related macular degeneration or AMD.

How can I pick up retinal detachment at an early stage?

It may start as a lot of sudden floaters and flashes. This may be followed by a curtain across part of the visual field. These are signs that should point at an urgent retinal checkup.

Why does the retina leak in some patients?

The commonest two reasons are uncontrolled diabetes or simply advanced age. Over time, the vessels become weak and leak just like water pipes can leak in the walls of our homes.

What is the treatment for diabetic retinopathy?

The first step is to be aware that this is a serious condition and can make you blind. You have to change your lifestyle to make it healthier. Proper diet, regular exercise and medicines, and some sort of yoga or meditation are crucial in the treatment. The medical treatment is by laser shots and small injections within the eye. Some conditions can only be treated by surgery.

What is laser treatment?

This involves giving highly accurate laser shots to the retina. It takes only a few minutes per session and is completely painless. This retinal laser is different from LASIK which is used to remove the spectacles number.

How many times does a patient have to take laser treatment or injections?

This depends on two things: the initial condition that the patient comes with, and the lifestyle changes that the patient makes after understanding the condition. If it is a mild problem, only one sitting is enough. However, if the patient has come at an advanced stage, or is not very careful with the lifestyle changes, there could be several sessions.

Are there different types of injections?

Yes, there are older molecules which were used a few years back. With newer research, there are more advanced injections that give better results. The doctor will guide you as to what is best for you.

Do the injections hurt?

Yes, but only like a small pinch. The needle is thinner than the human hair. Besides, the eye is numbed before the injection. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes.

Is there are harm by taking a lot of injections?

Not at all. These are very safe and can be taken as long as the retina is leaking. Nobody likes to take a lot of injections in the eye but these can make the difference between seeing and going blind. It is like taking cancer treatment. Nobody will like it, but it can save your life.