Damaged Retina Treatment: Surgical Methods and Care

What Is A Damaged Retina?

The retina is one of the most important parts of the human eye that helps in seeing. It is the innermost layer in the back of the eye that receives light from the outer part of the eye. The retina consists of light-sensitive cells which are responsible for converting light signals into neural signals. The brain receives these signals and forms an image. Therefore, the retina is crucial for vision, and any damage to it can result in poor vision or even vision loss. The damaged retina treatment is possible with various methods.

A person may experience different types of retinal damage. Retina damage is one of the most leading causes of loss of vision in many patients, if not treated at the time.

Common Types Of Retinal Damage 

The retina is responsible for sending light and signals to the brain to understand the image. Retina also provides the sharp vision required for daily activities like reading, writing, and seeing details. Study shows that the most common cause of retinal damage is injuries and diseases like diabetes, hypertension (Hypertension Treatment), and glaucoma.   

There are many types of retina damage, but the most common types are- 

Retinal Tears and Detachment

The most common type of retinal damage found are retinal Detachment and retinal tears. The cavity of the eye is filled with vitreous fluid lined by the retina. When this fluid detaches from the retina it causes retinal tears and retinal detachment. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration, as the name suggests is an eye disease that develops with age. In this condition, the Macula, which is a part of the retina, starts breaking down steadily. As a result, the loss of central vision occurs. 

Macular Holes

Sometimes due to injury, a macular hole develops. Macular holes are tiny holes developed in the macula region of the retina. Macular holes could be the result of an eye injury, but sometimes these types of holes develop over time. 

Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Retinopathy is a term for damaged retina due to damaged blood vessels that feed the retina. And Retinopathy of prematurity occurs when a baby is born prematurely or with low birth weight. In this case, the blood vessels in the retina are not matured and can cause retinal detachment later.

Diabetic Retinopathy 

The high blood sugar level in diabetes can damage blood vessels by blocking or deforming them. This results in fluid accumulation and swelling in the retina, leading to decreased vision. Although this develops very slowly if left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause loss of vision.

Damaged Retina Treatment (Surgical)

The damaged retina can be treated easily if the diagnosis and treatment are started early. Early treatment of damaged retina can help in stopping the further progression of the disease and aid in restoring normal vision. There are several options available for damaged retina treatment. Some can be complex and may be urgent. The treatments could be-

Laser Surgery

To repair the damaged retina, laser surgery can be used. Laser surgery can fix the retinal tears and retinal hole. Your surgeon uses a laser to heat the pinpoints that bind the retina to the underlying tissue. Immediate laser treatment of newly developed retinal tears can reduce the chance of it causing a retinal detachment.   

Photocoagulation

Photocoagulation is a technique used to shrink abnormal new blood vessels. The blood vessels that are bleeding or are very weak, are treated with photocoagulation. This treatment is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy. But one needs to be careful because extensive use of this treatment can lead to peripheral vision loss or even night vision loss.

Cryopexy

Cryopexy is another process to fix the torn portion of the retina. In this method, your surgeon applies a freezing probe to the external wall of the eye to treat a retinal tear. Just like photocoagulation uses thermal energy to reattach the retina, cryopexy freezes the tissue into place.

Vitrectomy         

Vitrectomy is a method for treating several damaged retina problems like a retinal tear, diabetic retinopathy, a macular hole, epiretinal membrane, an injection, eye trauma, or a retinal detachment. In this method, the surgeon replaces vitreous fluid with a new substance either liquid or gas, to prevent retinal damage. This method of Damaged retina treatment is commonly used by surgeons.

Retinal prosthesis  

Retinal prosthesis is helpful for those who have lost their vision already and can not see. In this procedure, the surgeon implants a tiny chip in the retina that receives input from a video camera that connects to a pair of eyeglasses. This chip receives and relays the visuals that the retina can no longer process.

Scleral Buckling   

 Scleral buckling is a type of surgery that is used to treat retinal detachment. The sclera is the white part of the surface of the eye. and in this surgery, the surgeon sews tiny pieces of silicone into the sclera. This indentation on the eye’s surface can relieve some of the tuggings on the retina tissue and help in fixing retinal detachment.          

Injecting air or gas into the eye

Injecting air or gas bubbles into the eye is Pneumatic retinopexy. It helps the damaged retinal tissue into its original position to reattach and heal. Pneumatic retinopexy and other types of surgeries in combination help in treating damaged retina treatment. 

Damaged Retina Treatment At Home

Retinal damage can affect your vision severely. As a result, you may be unable to perform some of the activities like reading, recognizing faces, and driving. To make your daily life easier, here are some tips that can help you-

Keep your eyeglass prescription up to date

If you wear contacts or glasses, make sure you wear only a prescription number. Ensure you are using an up-to-date prescription, not an old one. If you notice that your glasses are not working as effectively anymore, go for an eye check-up and tell your doctor about it.

Use Low Vision Aids

A variety of low vision aids are available in the market. If even a strong eyeglasses prescription does not work anymore, you can talk to your doctor about using other devices. Your doctor may prescribe you a magnifying device to help you with reading and close-up work. 

Use Audio System in your Gadgets

Devices like computers and mobile phones have audio systems for people with poor vision. You can benefit from them. You can also increase the font size on your computer and mobile phone for better results. 

Use Brighter Lights In Home

Bright light can be helpful in seeing better. Better lighting helps in performing close-up activities like reading and writing. Plus being in a bright environment reduces the pressure from the eyes. And decrease the risk of tripping as well.

Get Support From A loved One

Having a retinal disease can be tough and you may need to adapt to changes in your life. Consider taking help from a family member or friend. And stay in touch with your doctor to keep a better idea of your disease. 

A Word From EyeMantra