When to go for Retina Treatment?

The retina is a thin layer located at the back of the eye and is made up of light-sensitive cells. It works just like the film of a camera. It:

• Converts light falling on the eyes into electrical signals.
• Supplies those signals to the brain, which helps us recognize images.

If there is any kind of problem in the retina like tear, hole, or swelling, then vision may become blurry or completely lost.

Important Parts of Retina:

• Macula: responsible for central vision (for seeing & recognizing faces).
• Peripheral Retina: Controls side vision.
• Optic Nerve: Signals reach the brain.

Majorly, there are 7 warning signs that help in identifying the symptoms of retina problems. Let us understand them one by one:

1. Floaters or Flashes of Light: Seeing black spots, cobwebs, or lightning streaks in the eyes.
2. Blurry or Distorted Vision: Seeing wavy lines instead of straight
3. Dark Shadows or Curtain Effect: Darkness occurs in some parts of the eyes (symptom of retinal detachment).
4. Night Vision Loss: Very difficult situation to see at night (in genetic disorders like retinitis pigmentosa).
5. Sudden Vision Loss: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
6. Easily affects diabetic patients: Due to diabetes, the blood vessels of the retina start leaking (diabetic retinopathy).
7. Family history: If there is glaucoma or macular degeneration in the family, then it may arise retinal issues.

1. Laser Photocoagulation (Laser Treatment)

Working Principle: In laser photocoagulation treatment, damaged areas of the retina are properly sealed with the help of laser.

Best For: It is good for those who are suffering from diabetic retinopathy and retinal tears.

Expected Cost: ₹10,000–₹30,000 per session but sometimes more trouble can increase its cost.

2. Anti-VEGF Injections

Working Principle: Medicines like Avastin/Lucentis are injected into the eyes, which help in shrinking the abnormal blood vessels.

Best For: Wet macular degeneration.

Expected Cost: The charges for injection are around ₹15,000–₹50,000 per injection.

3. Vitrectomy Surgery

Working Principle: There is a gel called vitreous in the eyes, which is first removed and then the retina is repaired.

Best For: Persons who are facing problems of Retinal detachment and severe bleeding

Expected Cost: Its cost is around ₹50,000–₹1,50,000.

4. Scleral Buckle

Working Principle: In this important procedure, a silicone band is placed outside the eye, due to which the retina gets attached back to its place.

Best For: A better option for complex retinal detachment cases.

Expected Cost: Approximately ₹50,000 – ₹65,000.

5. Pneumatic Retinopexy

Working Principle: In Pneumatic Retinopexy technique, a gas bubble is put in the eye, which is brought to the correct position by pressing the retina.

Best for: Treating uncomplicated cases of retinal detachment

Expected Cost: Approximately ₹45,000–₹60,000.

Myth vs. Fact:

Myth: You have to keep your eyes closed for several months after retina surgery.

Fact: Due to modern techniques, your retina surgery recovery takes place in just 2-4 weeks; sometimes the patient gets comfortable soon.

Avoid Heavy Work: After retina treatment, you should avoid lifting heavy weights for approximately 1 to 2 weeks and also avoid swimming or exercise.

Follow-Up Appointments: Properly follow the precautions and follow-ups advised by the doctor.

Beneficial Diet Tips: Include healthy diets like spinach, carrots, citrus fruits, and fish (omega-3) if you prefer to consume.

Reduce Screen Time: Follow the 20-20-20 rule on your phone/laptop (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

Sugar Control: Diabetic patients should try their best to keep their HbA1c level below 7%.

Stop smoking: If you smoke, you should stop it immediately because it causes a lot of damage to the blood vessels of the retina.

UV Protection: Try to wear sunglasses with UV400 protection in the sun.

Regular Checkups: If your age is more than 40 years, then definitely get your eye test done once every year.

* If you are less than 40 and you have eye problems, then you should also get your checkup done from time to time.

Retina problems are not minor issues that should be ignored. If you see problems like floaters, flashes of light, vision loss, or dark dots, you should consult a skilled and experienced eye specialist near your location. Remember, “If you do not value your eyes today, they will not value you tomorrow”—so protect your eyes with a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups!

If you are in Varanasi or nearby, you can also visit our iris eye care hospital, where Dr. Sonali Raj Singh has been treating patients for more than 10 years. She is a goldmedalist Retina Surgeon in Varanasi and has handled more than 400 cases.