Retina & Vitreous
Retina & Vitreous Center
The retina and vitreous make up the inner back portion of the eye. Light enters through the front structures—the cornea and lens—then travels through the clear gel-like vitreous before focusing on the retina. Any condition that impacts the health or structure of the vitreous or retina can significantly affect vision.
Retinal Layer Separation
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It captures light rays entering through the front of the eye and sends visual signals to the brain. In certain eye conditions, a tear may form in the retina, which can lead to the retina lifting or detaching from its underlying layers.
When a retinal detachment occurs, it often results in a sudden, painless loss of vision. Many patients describe symptoms such as flashing lights, a sudden appearance of floaters (tiny black dots or lines), or a sensation that a dark curtain is descending across their field of view. Retinal detachment is a serious condition that requires urgent medical attention by a retina specialist to prevent permanent vision loss.
Understanding Retinal Detachment and Its Treatment
Surgical intervention is necessary to reattach the retina. The first step typically involves placing a silicone band (called a scleral buckle) around the outside of the eye to relieve tension on the retina.
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)
Also known as Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, CSR is an eye condition where fluid builds up under the retina, specifically in the central part responsible for sharp, detailed vision (the macula). This fluid causes a small, bubble-like swelling, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
What are the symptoms?
- Blurred or hazy central vision
- Straight lines may appear bent or wavy
- Objects may look smaller or further away
- A dark or gray spot may appear in the center of vision
Who is at risk?
CSR typically affects young to middle-aged adults and is more common in men. Stress, use of steroids, and certain medications can increase the risk.
Is it serious?
In many cases, CSR improves on its own over a few weeks or months. However, if fluid remains or the condition recurs frequently, it can lead to permanent vision changes and may require treatment.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
ARMD is a common eye condition that affects older adults, leading to damage in the central part of the retina called the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. This can make it difficult to read, recognize faces, or do tasks requiring clear central vision.
Symptoms of ARMD
- Blurred or fuzzy central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- Straight lines may appear wavy or distorted
- A dark or empty spot in the center of vision
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
ROP is an eye disorder that affects premature babies, especially those born before 32 weeks of pregnancy or with very low birth weight (less than 1500 grams). It occurs when the blood vessels in a baby’s retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) develop abnormally.
Why Does ROP Happen?
In full-term babies, retinal blood vessels finish developing in the last few weeks of pregnancy. In premature babies, this development is interrupted, and the blood vessels can grow irregularly. These abnormal vessels may leak or pull on the retina, potentially leading to retinal detachment and even blindness if left untreated.