what is retina
The retina is a thin tissue that can be found at the back of the eye. Its main function is to capture light that enters the eyes and convert it to signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve. This allows us to perceive and see images. As per the opinion of Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, the retina works like a camera. It assists in creating pictures of the world around us. With light-sensitive cells like rods and cones, the retina allows us to see sharply in dim light. Therefore, any damage to the retina can have disastrous consequences.
The Important Role of the Retina in Vision
The retina plays a key role in ensuring vision. It has photoreceptor cells known as cones and rods. These cells assist in the identification of light and colour. Best Retina Doctor in Kolkata. The rods allow vision in low light, and the cones assist in perceiving colour. Through the transformation of photons into neural impulses sent to the brain via the optic nerve, the retina functions as a natural image converter.
Formation of Images:
Without the presence of the retina, it would become impossible for the brain to receive visual information. The lack of such information would render it impossible for the brain to form images, resulting in vision impairment.
Vision in Colour:
The cone cells are the reason we can see the world around us in colour. They assist both in colour perception and sharpness.
Vision in Low-Light:
The rod cells allow vision in dark conditions, allowing a full spectrum of vision.
This is why it is crucial to take care of your retina. If the retina is damaged in any way, there is a high chance of permanent vision loss. Therefore, if you are facing any retinal issues, reach out to Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, at the earliest.
What You Need to Know about Retinal Detachment
The retina, located at the back of the eye, is a tissue that is sensitive to light. For many of us, gaining a complete understanding of our ocular anatomy and knowing its connection to the brain can indeed be a complex task. However, it is actually very similar. Think of yourself looking at an apple. Light bounces off the surface of the fruit to travel into your eye through the cornea. After this, it travels through the pupils and the lens before it strikes the retina. The retina converts the waves of light into electric impulses and then sets out on a journey through the optic nerve to reach the brain. The brain translates the image.
In cases where your retina becomes detached, it pulls away from the back of the eye. This becomes a medical emergency. In times such as these, you need to consult Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata.
What are The SYMPTOMS?
In cases where the retina becomes damaged, it will be best for you to seek immediate medical attention. Considering this, the symptoms of a retinal tear and retinal detachment are quite similar in many ways. With regards to this, some of these symptoms are an increase in light flashes, floaters, and starbursts. These might seem harmless, but they are a sign of a deeper eye condition, the Best Retina Doctor in Kolkata. These conditions can lead to permanent vision loss.
Some symptoms that are a signal for immediate medical attention are:
- A sudden increase in starbursts and floaters in our vision field. You can also see little particles.
- The appearance of a dark curtain in your field of vision
- A gradual decrease in your vision
Look Out For These Warning Signs
There are several warning signs of retinal detachment. Considering this, the most common signs are the appearance of floaters in the visual field, sudden flashes of light in your peripheral vision, and the feeling that there is a dark curtain covering a part of your visual field. In addition, you might also feel like your vision is getting blurred or distorted. Please remember that although the symptoms are painless, retinal detachment is considered to be a medical emergency. So if you face such an emergency ever, do not hesitate to consult Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata.
These look like small dust specks or threads wandering in your visual field.
You might see sudden light flashes on the peripheral side of your vision field.
You might see a dark shadow moving across your vision field.
You might feel as if your vision is distorted. Straight lines will appear as if they are bent. Your central vision might also get blurred.
Types Of Common Retina Conditions
Retinal Detachment
Retinal Detachment is a fatal eye condition where the tissue at the back of the eye moves away from its normal place. In case this situation is left ignored, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Considering this, symptoms can include floaters or the appearance of a shadow within the vision field. The cause of retinal detachment is varied, ranging from age to preexisting diseases. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your vision, visit Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, at the earliest.
People with diabetes are the most vulnerable to this eye condition. The high levels of sugar in the blood harm the blood vessels of the retina. This impacts the senses that send signals to the brain. These blood vessels often leak, leading to loss of vision or blurry vision. Best Retina Doctor in Kolkata. In the most severe case, the abnormal blood vessels grow and damage vision completely.
Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is an ocular condition which affects a part of the retina known as the macula. The macula is responsible for our central vision. Older adults are much more vulnerable to this disease than young people. One key thing to note about this disease is that it does not lead to complete loss of vision like other retinal conditions. It only affects daily tasks such as driving, reading, and recognising faces. Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, can provide you with the best advice regarding how to manage this condition.
Retinal Vein Occlusion
Retinal Vein Occlusion, simply known as RVO, is an eye condition where the retinal veins and the light-sensitive tissues get blocked. This blockage causes blood and fluid to leak into the retina. The first symptoms of such a condition are blurry and distorted vision. This condition is most observed in older adults and affects only one eye. If you notice blurred vision, consult with Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, immediately.
Who Is At RISK?
Anyone above the age of 40 is at risk of retinal detachment. If we take a sex-based view, then males are more vulnerable to this condition than females. Demographically, White and African Americans are more vulnerable than Asians, the best retina doctor in Kolkata. Recent research has shown that any individual who is suffering from extreme nearsightedness is at risk of this condition regardless of their sex or demographic background.
Diagnosis of Retinal Detachment
As is the case with most conditions, the best way to treat retinal detachment is to ensure early intervention through early diagnosis. Considering this, a typical diagnosis process involves the healthcare professionals gaining a clear understanding of your symptoms. Concerning this, the following tests might be conducted:
Retinal Exam: The healthcare professional might use an instrument with special lenses and a bright light. This will be used to check the back of your eye. The device gives your healthcare provider the full view of your eye, which assists them in looking for retinal issues such as tears, detachments, or holes.
Ultrasound Imaging: If you are bleeding due to the retinal detachment, your healthcare provider will opt for this test. The bleeding makes it harder to visualise the retina.
Please remember that only one of your eyes will be checked at a time. If nothing is found in your first visit, your healthcare provider might ask you to return in a few weeks. Cooperate with them and you will get the best results. For the best treatment, visit Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for retinal detachment include both non-surgical and surgical methods. Considering this, non-surgical methods include photocoagulation and cryoplexy for minor tears, best retina doctor in Kolkata. For major cases, surgical procedures such as pneumatic retinopexy, vitrectomy, and scleral buckling are considered as per the condition of the patient. More details have been provided below:
Minor Cases
For minor cases, these treatment options are considered. Please note that these are typically done in the doctor’s office itself. The tear is sealed, which effectively stops a full detachment.
- Laser Retinopexy: Here, a laser is used to make tiny burns in the tear. This leads to the creation of scar tissue that attaches the retina to the underlying tissues.
- Cryopexy: A freezing probe is applied to the external part of the eye over the tear. This leads to scar tissue forming and allows the retina to reattach.
Minor Cases
In case of major issues, surgical procedures are considered. Some of them are:
- Scleral Buckling: A flexible band is sewn around the eyeball. This pushes the eyeball inside, which puts the detached retina in its place.
- Vitrectomy: The doctor removes the vitreous gel from the internal part of the eye. That is substituted with a silicon oil bubble or gas, which pushes the detached retina back to its place.
- Pneumatic Retinopexy: A gas bubble is injected into the eye. This is done to press against the retinal hole, which assists the retina in reattaching.
You must remember that the best option, whether it is surgical or non-surgical, will be made as per the decision of the surgeon. Typically, the surgeon makes such a decision based on three key metrics: urgency, effectiveness, and consultation. For the best outcome, consult with Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata.
Life After Treatment
The general recovery period after a Retinal Detachment spans from a few weeks to a month. During this time, you might experience minor issues like mild discomfort in the eye, blurry vision, and distortion. This is why Dr. Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, will offer you some specific instructions that will focus on eye positioning. Considering this, during the first few months of recovery, you might experience these:
It will take time, but gradually, you will experience improvements in your vision.
You will need to stop engaging in strenuous activities like gymming until the doctor allows you.
You need to restrict some activities until the doctor gives you clearance, such as flying.
You need to attend regular appointments to ensure everything is all right with your eyes.
FAQ
Some of the earliest signs of retinal detachment are: Sudden appearance of floaters in the visual field Light flashes Appearance of floaters in the peripheral vision field Blurred or Distorted Vision Side vision loss
Yes, retinal detachment is urgent. It needs immediate medical attention.
Some causes of retinal detachment are ageing, eye trauma, injury, and preexisting conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
Individuals of any age can be vulnerable to retinal detachment. However, it is older adults who are the most vulnerable.
Yes, it is possible for both eyes to be affected by retinal detachment. However, the possibility is highly unlikely.
Retinal detachment is not a painful condition. However, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
Retinal detachment is diagnosed through retina exams and ocular ultrasound systems.
There are three main types of retinal detachment. They are rhegmatogenous, tractional, and exudative.
The success rate of retinal surgery is generally high. Depending on the skill of the surgeon, it can reach 90 to 95%.
Yes, you might suffer from retinal detachment even after surgery. But the possibility is very rare.
There are several complications associated with retinal surgery. Some of them are repeated injury to the retina, formation of cataracts, bleeding, and infections.
Yes, you might suffer from blurry vision post-surgery. However, that will be temporary.
Yes, your vision will be restored after surgery. You can enjoy clear vision and enjoy life.
This depends on the nature of your work. If you work a simple desk job, you can return within a few weeks. However, if you work in a risky field, consult with your doctor and then inform your employer.
Yes, diabetes will increase the chances of you being a victim of retinal detachment.
Some precautions you must take after a retinal surgery are: Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities Avoid heavy lifting Use eye protection Always follow the advice of your doctor. For more advice, consult with Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata.
Yes, you will likely need to hold a specific head position and/or eye position after retina surgery to help either a gas or oil bubble in your eye hold the retina in its healed position whilst the retina heals. This is an important part of your recovery journey. Apart from this, Dr. Prosenjit Mondal, the best retina doctor in Kolkata, will also offer you many other helpful advice.
This is highly dependent on your condition. However, the ideal time is 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery.
Yes, a laser is considered to be an ideal form of treatment for retinal tears. It is non-invasive and can be performed quickly on an outpatient basis.
Dr. Prosenjit Mondal is the best retina doctor in Kolkata.