Retinal Detachment

When a retinal detachment develops, a separation occurs between the retina and the underlying inner wall of the eye. This is similar to wallpaper peeling off a wall. The part that is detached (peeled off) will not work properly. The picture that the brain receives becomes patchy or may be lost completely. An operation is necessary to replace the detached retina in it's proper position.

People often describe seeing "something black" or "a curtain", "cobweb" or "flashing lights". In older persons these do not necessarily indicate a serious problem. But the sudden appearance of floaters and flashes requires a full eye examination to exclude the presence of retinal holes or tears.

Nearly all retinal detachments develop because of a hole or tear in the retina. This usually occurs when the retina becomes 'thin' especially in shortsighted people or if the vitreous separates from the retina. One of the most common causes for this is diabetes.

Tips for Patients:

If you experience any of the above symptoms, immediately go in for an ophthalmological examination

People above 40 and known diabetics are advised to go in for 6 monthly ophthalmology checkups for early detection and examination.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Another condition of the retina is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This is a condition peculiar to premature babies and hence the name. Due to early birth, the retina is not fully developed in such babies. Abnormal blood vessels can develop in such an underdeveloped retina leading to bleeding inside the eye that may even culminate in retinal detachment. The end result is irreversible low vision or even blindness.

Tips for Patients:

Babies with a birth weight of less than 1700gms or those born at less than 35 weeks of pregnancy are most likely to get ROP. Any other pre-term baby who has had post birth problems like (lack of oxygen, infection, blood transfusion, breathing trouble) is also vulnerable. In these cases, parents are advised to get a retinal examination done before day-30 of the life of the premature baby and even earlier (1st week) in very low birth weight babies (<1200gms)

The treatment for ROP is a non invasive procedure using lasers which stops the further growth of abnormal blood vessels and consequent blindness. If treated on time, the child grows up to have reasonably good vision.

Regular follow up examination is required till the retina matures fully. In fact, all premature babies should get regular eye examinations till the school going stage.

Vitreo-Retina Services at Sceh

The Vitreo-Retina Service at SCEH is a modern well-equipped centre handling all categories of medical and surgical conditions of the Retina and Vitreous. The medical expertise in the department is backed by state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment including: Zeiss Operating microscope with video 3-chip camera Fundus fluorescein angiography using a Zeiss Digital fundus camera Visupac 430 Humphrey B and A scan Iris double frequency Yag Laser Ocular Ultrasonography TTT Laser This department receives referrals for most conditions of the Vitreous and the Retina, in particular: Diabetic Retinopathy

Retinal Detachment Age Related Macular Degeneration Retinopathy of Prematurity