What are Retina & Vitreous Diseases?

Our vision can be described as the most vital out of the five basic senses as our eyes help in delivering four-fifths of information to our brain. However, when it comes to eye disorders, it is common to overlook the signs because they are not easily identified or may be painless.

Various common and rare eye disorders can compromise our vision. A clear vision requires a healthy retina. For better understanding, the retina is a small layer of light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye and converts light rays into impulses that travel to the brain via the optic nerve and are interpreted as the images we see.

Hence why the retina is critical to vision. Retinal diseases are common because they can affect any area of the retina of the eye.

Anyone can be affected by eye disorders. However, the risks of developing eye disorders get higher due to:

Ageing

Being obese

Eye injuries

Family history of retinal diseases.

Having diabetes or other diseases

Smoking

Ageing

Being obese

Eye injuries

Family history of retinal diseases.

Having diabetes or other diseases

Smoking

People who have high blood pressure or other artery diseases are more prone to developing retinal vascular disease, which refers to a variety of conditions affecting the blood vessels or arteries inside the eye.

Some retinal diseases are treatable. Depending on your condition, treatment goals may include curing or slowing down the disease as well as preserving, improving, or restoring your vision. Some retinal diseases, if left untreated, can cause significant vision loss or blindness.

Different Types of Retina and Vitreous Diseases

Here are the common retinal diseases and conditions:

Retinal tear – A retinal tear happens when the transparent, gel-like substance in the centre of your eye (vitreous) shrinks and pulls on the thin layer of tissue lining the back of your eye (retina) with just enough traction to cause a tear in the tissue. It is frequently accompanied by the rapid development of symptoms such as floaters and flashing lights.
Diabetic retinopathy – Diabetes causes the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the back of your eye to weaken and leak fluid into and beneath the retina. This causes the retina to enlarge, causing your vision to blur or distort. Alternatively, you could develop new, abnormal capillaries that burst and bleed. This may damage your vision as well.
Epiretinal membrane – The epiretinal membrane is a fragile tissue-like scar or membrane that resembles crinkled cellophane and lies on top of the retina. This membrane presses upon the retina, causing your vision to be distorted. Objects may appear blurry or distorted.
Macular hole – A macular hole is a small hole in the centre of the retina at the back of your eye (macula). The hole may form as a result of abnormal traction between the retina and the vitreous, or it may occur as a result of an eye injury.
Macular degeneration – Macular degeneration cause the centre of your retina to degenerate. Symptoms may include impaired central vision and a blind spot in the middle of the visual field. Two forms of macular degeneration are called wet macular degeneration and dry macular degeneration. Many people experience the dry form first, which might progress to the wet form in one or both eyes.
Retinitis pigmentosa – Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative hereditary illness. It gradually deteriorates the retina, resulting in night and side vision loss.

Symptoms of Retina and Vitreous Diseases

Many retinal diseases share common signs and symptoms. These include:

Blurred or distorted (straight lines look wavy) vision
Defects in the side vision
Seeing floating specks or cobwebs
Vision loss

It's vital to be aware of any changes in your vision and seek treatment as soon as possible. Seek medical assistance right away at Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC) eye specialist centre, Eyecentric if you experience floaters, flashes, or blurred vision. These are symptoms of possibly severe retinal disease.

At Eyecentric, our expert team includes some of the best ophthalmologists in Malaysia, delivering state-of-the-art care using first-rate clinical practice and advanced medical diagnostics. Our team of highly experienced eye surgeons also offer a range of services, from surgery to fix cataracts to treatment of retinal disorders like retinal detachment and macular degeneration.

Consult Our Specialist