Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels supplying the retina. Diabetic retinopathy may initially cause few or no noticeable symptoms but can progress to more advanced retinal damage and vision loss.
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The retina is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that plays a critical role in vision. Diseases affecting the retina can interfere with central or peripheral vision and, in some cases, may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Some retinal conditions develop gradually without obvious symptoms. Others can cause sudden changes in vision and require urgent assessment.
At Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, retinal conditions are evaluated using specialised diagnostic imaging and managed according to the patient's condition, disease stage and individual clinical needs.
Susrut's current retina service includes diagnostic facilities such as OCT, Digital Fundus Angiography, ICG angiography, OCT angiography, B-scan ultrasonography and electrophysiology.
Retina & Vitreous
This page provides general educational information about retinal diseases and their treatment. Diagnosis and treatment should be determined after a comprehensive examination by a qualified ophthalmologist.
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer located at the back of the eye.
It receives light and converts it into signals that are transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain, allowing us to see.
Because the retina is essential to vision, diseases affecting it can have a significant impact on sight.
Some retinal conditions are associated with diabetes or ageing, while others may result from vascular problems, inflammation, injury or changes within the vitreous and retina.
Retinal diseases are conditions that affect the retina or structures closely associated with it. Some may develop gradually, while others can present suddenly.
Depending on the condition, retinal disease can affect different aspects of vision and may interfere with everyday activities.
Retinal diseases can affect different parts of the retina and may have very different symptoms and treatment requirements. Early assessment can help determine the appropriate course of care.
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels supplying the retina. Diabetic retinopathy may initially cause few or no noticeable symptoms but can progress to more advanced retinal damage and vision loss.
Diabetes can cause fluid leakage in the macula, the central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Macular edema can affect reading, recognising faces and other activities requiring central vision.
Age-related changes in the macula can affect central vision. Patients may notice distortion, blurred central vision or difficulty reading and recognising faces.
A blockage in a retinal vein can cause bleeding and fluid accumulation within the retina and may affect vision. Early assessment is important because treatment depends on the type and severity of the retinal vascular problem.
A retinal detachment occurs when the retina separates from its normal position. It can cause symptoms such as flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain/shadow appearing across the field of vision.
A retinal tear can occur when changes in the vitreous place traction on the retina. Some retinal tears can progress to retinal detachment if untreated.
Conditions affecting the macula can cause problems with central vision.
Depending on the clinical presentation, retinal specialists may also evaluate and manage other vitreoretinal disorders.
Diabetic retinopathy is a retinal complication of diabetes. Over time, high blood glucose can damage the small blood vessels supplying the retina.
The disease may initially be asymptomatic. As it progresses, patients may experience floaters, hazy or fluctuating vision, dark areas in the visual field or vision loss.
Learn About Diabetic RetinopathyDepending on the condition, retinal disease may cause changes in vision that can develop gradually or appear suddenly.
Small spots, strings or cobweb-like shapes moving across your field of vision.
Brief flashes can occur when the vitreous pulls on the retina.
Objects may appear less sharp or clear.
Straight lines may appear bent or wavy.
Some retinal conditions can produce missing areas in the visual field.
Macular conditions can make reading increasingly difficult.
Retinal disease can cause partial or significant loss of vision.
Do not ignore sudden changes in vision. Seek urgent ophthalmic assessment if you experience any of the following symptoms.
These symptoms can occur with retinal tears, retinal detachment or other urgent retinal conditions.
NEED URGENT RETINA CARE? CALL US - 033 4050 6500Retinal problems may be more common or more likely to develop in people with certain risk factors.
These factors can vary depending on the specific retinal condition and a person's overall health.
Risk factors vary according to the specific retinal condition. Having a risk factor does not mean that you necessarily have retinal disease.
A retina assessment may involve a detailed eye examination together with specialised diagnostic investigations.
OCT produces detailed cross-sectional images of retinal structures and can help clinicians assess retinal and macular changes.
OCT angiography can provide information about blood flow within retinal and choroidal vascular networks without conventional dye angiography.
DFA can help ophthalmologists evaluate retinal blood vessels and leakage patterns.
ICG angiography provides information about the choroidal circulation and may be useful in selected retinal and macular conditions.
B-scan ultrasound can help assess the posterior segment of the eye when the retina cannot be adequately visualised through the normal optical pathway.
Susrut lists several electrophysiological tests that evaluate different aspects of retinal and visual pathway function.
The diagnostic investigations recommended depend on the patient's symptoms, clinical findings and the retinal condition being evaluated.
Treatment depends on the underlying retinal condition, its severity and the patient's overall clinical situation. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve laser, injections or vitreoretinal surgery.
Laser photocoagulation may be used in selected retinal conditions, including certain stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Medicines can be injected into the vitreous cavity for selected retinal conditions. These may include medicines that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other treatments depending on the disease.
Anti-VEGF medicines can help reduce abnormal blood-vessel growth and vascular leakage in selected retinal diseases.
They are commonly used in conditions involving retinal or macular vascular leakage, depending on the clinical diagnosis.
Vitrectomy is a vitreoretinal surgical procedure in which the vitreous gel is removed or managed to address specific retinal problems.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying retinal condition, its severity and the patient's individual clinical circumstances. Your retina specialist will recommend the appropriate approach after evaluation.
There is no single treatment for all retinal diseases. Depending on the diagnosis, your retina specialist may recommend one treatment or a combination of approaches.
Managing diabetes is an important part of reducing the risk of diabetic eye complications. Good overall health management together with regular eye examinations can help support long-term eye health.
Individual HbA1c targets may differ depending on your overall health and clinical circumstances.
Not every retinal disease can be prevented. However, early detection and management of risk factors can help reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications in certain conditions.
Regular eye care and prompt assessment of new visual symptoms can help identify retinal problems before significant vision loss occurs.
From specialist evaluation and advanced retinal diagnostics to condition-specific treatment, patients can access comprehensive retina care within a broader ophthalmic care ecosystem.
Susrut's retina directory includes ophthalmologists with vitreoretinal and medical-retina fellowship qualifications.
Susrut lists OCT, OCT angiography, Digital Fundus Angiography, ICG angiography, B-scan and electrophysiology among its retina diagnostic facilities.
Depending on diagnosis, treatment may include laser therapy, intravitreal injections, anti-VEGF therapy and vitreoretinal surgery.
Susrut provides multiple ophthalmic subspecialties within its broader clinical-service ecosystem.
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Answers to common questions about retinal diseases, diagnosis and treatment.
A retina specialist evaluates and manages diseases affecting the retina and vitreous, including conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and other retinal disorders.
Symptoms can include floaters, flashes, blurred or distorted vision, dark areas in the visual field and sudden or progressive vision loss.
Yes. Advanced diabetic retinopathy can cause severe and potentially permanent vision loss. Early detection and appropriate management can help reduce the risk of vision-threatening complications.
Treatment focuses on controlling the underlying disease, slowing progression and preventing or managing vision-threatening complications. Treatment depends on the stage and type of diabetic retinopathy.
Anti-VEGF medicines block the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor, which can contribute to abnormal blood-vessel growth and leakage in certain retinal diseases.
OCT provides detailed images of retinal structures and can help an ophthalmologist identify and monitor changes in the retina and macula.
Retinal detachment can occur for several reasons, including retinal tears or breaks associated with changes in the vitreous. Risk varies depending on the individual.
A suspected retinal detachment requires urgent ophthalmic assessment because prompt treatment may be important for preserving vision.
Laser treatment is appropriate for some retinal conditions. Whether it is suitable depends on the specific diagnosis and clinical findings.
No. Treatment varies considerably between retinal conditions. Some patients may require monitoring, injections or laser treatment, while others may need surgery.
Retinal diseases can sometimes progress without obvious symptoms. If you have diabetes, a history of retinal disease or new changes in your vision, an eye examination can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
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