The retina is the light sensitive layer of the eye. It is a very important structure situated at the back of the eye and functions similar to a photographic film in camera. There are a number of diseases, which affect the retina leading to decrease in vision.
What are the symptoms of retinal disease?
Decrease in vision is the most common symptom. It can either be a sudden or a gradual decrease. Inability to see a part of the visual field. The peripheral field in Glaucoma, Cataract or the central fields in Age Related Macular Degeneration and certain neurological conditions. Floaters (sudden appearance of a number of Black spots in front of the eyes) and flashes of light are also very important symptoms, which require immediate attention. Sometimes the patient feels as if a "curtain" has fallen over his eyes. Inability to perceive different colors, squinting of the eye or repeated headache are may be other symptoms of retinal disease.
Retinal Examination
There are a number of conditions, which affect the retina, like Diabetes, Hypertension, infections, and degenerative conditions. The diagnosis of these conditions can only be made on a detailed fundus examination. Hence an eye examination is never complete without dilatation and fundus examination. Normally, the eye requires to be dilated with dilating drops to examine the entire back of the eye.
What are the other methods of examination of the retina?
Fundus Fluroscein Angiogram (FFA), which involves taking photographs of the vasculature of the eye after injecting 3cc of Sodium Fluorescein, or an Iodine containing dye into the forearm.
This test gives exact information about the extent of damage due to diabetic retinopathy. It also helps to know if there is any fluid collection in the retina (Macular Edema), any damage to blood vessels inside the eye (Vasculitis), any abnormal vessels with increased tendency to bleed (Neovascularisation), etc. are present in patients with uveitis. It is a routine out patient procedure, which takes about twenty minutes. Certain conditions like vitreous hemorrhage (Bleeding within the eye) require a B scan examination to get additional information and to diagnose retinal detachment and certain mass lesions. Occasionally, a CT scan or MRI might also be required in cases of trauma or tumors.
Imagenet (TM)2000 System
For color photography and Fundus Flourescien Angiography. Lotus Eye Care Hospital is equipped with Imagenet (TM) 2000 system, which is the state-of-the-art digital imaging system for faster and efficient acquisition, storage, retrieval and analysis of all types of Ophthalmic Images.
B - Scan Ultrasonography
During conditions in which the retina is not visualized due to bleeding within the eye, a Bscan ultrasonography gives invaluable information regarding whether the retina is attached or detached and whether the optic nerve head is normal or abnormal. It is of use also to detect any intraocular foreign bodies like stones, pellets, iron, wood or glass pieces following injury to the eye, and to detect the presence of sight threatening conditions like endophthalmitis.
OCT (Optical Coherent Tomography)
It is used to image the various layers of the retina , the sensitive part of the eye . By using it we can find out which part of the retina is affected and accordingly by what disease. It is the most advanced scanning tool at present available to document subtle changes in the retina.
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