RETINA AND MACULA CONDITIONS

The retina is the light sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eyeball. The macula is the central region of the retina and is the area that is responsible for your central vision. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a common condition affecting the central part of the retina (macula), usually in people over the age of 60. It can lead to loss of central vision. 

    • Blurred central vision

    • Distortion of central vision where straight lines appear bent

    • Difficulty reading or recognising faces

    • Missing areas in the central vision

    • Sometimes, age related macular degeneration is detected coincidentally on optometry checkups when imaging of the macula is performed

    • Correctly diagnosing neovascular (the “wet” form) and geographic atrophy (the “dry” form)

    • Anti-VEGF eye injections for neovascular ARMD

    • Nutritional supplements in some patients

    • Lifestyle changes (e.g avoid smoking, dietary changes and visual aids)

    • Sometimes monitoring of symptoms and follow-up retinal scans can be appropriate

    • Newer treatments for dry ARMD are becoming available such as injections

Diabetic retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels contained within the retina. It is very important to have your eyes checked regularly if you have diabetes. The two main conditions that are screened for are diabetic macular oedema (swelling at the macula) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (a vision-threatening condition where new blood vessels grow at the back of the eye)

    • Blurred vision 

    • Dark spots or floaters or “smoke” in the vision

    • Sometimes diabetic macular oedema or proliferative diabetic retinopathy can be detected before symptoms on screening with retinal imaging

    • It is very important that diabetic retinopathy screening results are reported back to your GP or diabetes specialist so that blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can be optimised

    • Regular eye examinations and imaging are essential

    • Laser treatment

    • Injections to reduce diabetic macular or proliferative diabetic retinopathy

    • Surgery is sometimes required in advanced cases

Retinal Vein Occlusions

A retinal vein occlusion occurs when there is blockage of one of the veins draining blood from the retina, leading to back pressure, swelling of the macula and bleeding. In a “central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)” the entire retina is affected.

In a “branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)” it is a smaller portion of the retina.

    • Sudden blurred vision in one eye

    • Distorted central vision (where straight lines appear bent)

    • Sometimes, retinal vein occlusions can be identified coincidentally on optometry screening with retinal imaging

    • Intravitreal injections to reduce macular swelling and to improve vision

    • Laser treatment in selected cases

    • Checking for an underlying cause and managing that appropriately (commonly blood pressure)

    • In some cases, minor retinal vein occlusions do not require treatment and can be monitored