Q. What is Retina?

Retina is the transparent layer which is sensitive to light and forms the innermost layer of the eye wall. The retina is similar to the film role of a camera. It receives the image of the object that is converged by the lens and cornea, converts it into electrical signals and transfers them to the brain. The retina is actually a part of the central nervous system.

Q. What are the common diseases of retina?

Retinal diseases may be present since birth or they may occur later too. They can affect any age group. Some of the examples are Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment, Retinal Vascular Occlusions, Age Related Macular Degeneration, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Retinopathy of Prematurity etc.

Q. When should I get my retina checked?

We all know that prevention is better than cure. It is advisable to have a complete eye examination including retina every year. This yearly evaluation is more important for the persons who are myopes i.e. who wear minus power of glasses. Similarly, all the patients of diabetes, hypertension and people with family history of retinal diseases must get their retina examined every year even if their vision is perfectly normal. It is mandatory for a preterm baby to get the retinal examination done within first 30 days of life.

Q. How do I know I have a retinal problem?

You must contact a vitreoretinal surgeon immediately if you develop any of the symptoms.

Procedure for a retinal checkup

During your visit to Netram Eye Care, a qualified optometrist will first perform a routine checkup of your refraction. This will be followed by dilatation of the pupils, which at times can take upto 1 hour followed by detailed retina examination by one of the retina consultants. After dilatation it might be difficult for the patient to see properly, read or to do near work, to drive properly and one can also experience glare or photophobia (excessive light entering the eye), so you are requested to come with an attendant who can drive or to take a driver and to bring your sunglasses. Retinal evaluations can at times be time consuming and may require additional investigations and treatment; you are therefore requested to take out spare time for the same. If you have any other systemic diseases like diabetes, hypertension etc you are requested to bring your those records also along with your previous eye treatment records.

Q. Symptoms Of Diabetic Macular Edema:

• Blurring of vision and difficulty seeing sharp details, both up close and from a distance
• Blind spots in vision
• Straight lines appear wavy or fractured in parts of the visual field
• Colors look washed out or faded
• Distortions of lines and shapes in everyday objects, such as crooked doorframes

Q. What is your role in management?

There are steps that you can take to prevent or delay vision loss, and manage your condition and treatment:

Regular Screening: Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year. If you have diabetic retinopathy, you may need to have eye exams more often.

Control Blood Glucose: Keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as you can. Hyperglycemia initiates many other risk factors, so controlling blood glucose can prevent other diabetic complications and slows down or even prevents the development of retinopathy.

Control Blood Pressure: Studies have demonstrated that keeping your blood pressure as close to normal as possible reduces the risk of complications in the microvascular system by roughly 33%.

Control Blood Lipids: Keeping your cholesterol levels as close to normal as possible reduces the risk of complications. High levels of total cholesterol or triglycerides can increase the risk of developing DME by two- or three-fold.

Q. Development Of Diabetic Macular Edema?

Swelling of the macula reduces visual acuity, blurs sight, and ultimately causes severe vision loss.