Retina is a thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of our eye. It contains millions of light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. Retina sends this information to brain through the optic nerve. Based on the light impulses sent through the nerve, brain creates the images enabling us to see.

Symptoms of retinal disorders :

• Floaters (like flying insects/ moving clouds/ in form of dots and lines etc.)
• Flashes (as in lightning)
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Black spot of vision
• Sudden loss of vision, like a curtain dropping

Common disorders affecting retina, choroid and vitreous :

• Diabetic/ hypertensive retinopathy
• Retinal vascular occlusions
• Macular degeneration
• Macular hole/ Epiretinal membrane
• Trauma related injuries
• Retinal tear/ detachment
• Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR)
• Retinitis pigmentosa and other fundus dystrophies
• Papilloedema

Many of these diseases do not have any early warning signs, especially diabetic retinopathy. The retina cannot be replaced, only reattached, so it is very important to prevent damage to the retinal tissue. The only way to do this is to have periodic yearly check-ups for retinopathy to make sure your eyes stay safe without further damage.

Risk factors for retinal disorders :

Systemic diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia etc., Trauma, Certain drugs, Aging, Smoking, Obesity can affect retina in different ways.

Tools to diagnose retinal and choroidal disorders :

If any of the above symptoms develop, consult ophthalmologist or retina specialist and undergo dilated fundus examination of both eyes. Fundus photography, retinal scan (OCT scan), Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), are the investigative options available to diagnose retinal diseases, all of which are available at Aradhana Eye Institute, Manacaud.

Treatment for retinal diseases :

• Control systemic diseases
• Regular follow–ups
• Non- surgical treatment : Lasers Intravitreal injections
• Surgical treatment

Surgeries done in Aradhana Eye Institute :

• Retinal detachment surgery
• Diabetic retinopathy related tractional retinal detachment
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Macular hole surgery
• Epi- retinal membrane peeling
• Silicon oil removal

Almost all the retina surgeries done here are with the sutureless 25 G vitrectomy system using Alcon's Constellation system ensuring maximum surgical efficiency. This means less pain and faster recovery. Consult with our retina specialists now to know more about the options available for your patient.

What to expect on a routine retina check up?

A routine retina check-up would take anywhere between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of tests ordered by your doctor and the number of patients at the clinic on that day. As all patients require dilation of the eyes after being checked for other problems in the eye, it takes a minimum of two hours for completion of a consult for a routine retina problem.