Retina and Vitreous Surgery

“Advanced Retina and Vitreous Treatment at Gobind Eye Care – Clear Vision, Trusted Care.”

Retina & Vitreous

The Vitreoretinal Service at Gobind Eye Care Centre offers expertise in the diagnostic, medical and surgical retina. Diagnostics forming the backbone of every successful treatment, we provide a very advanced small pupil fundus camera for Fundus Photo and Fundus Fluorescein Angiography and a precise Optical Coherence Tomography system. Treatment of all retinopathies affecting the eye due to diabetes, hypertension, vascular malformations, and age-related macular degeneration is possible with laser and anti-VEGF injections or surgery depending on the requirement.

The retina laser service houses an advanced ND: YAG-Laser System for Retinal Photocoagulation treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Laser Barrage for Myopic Degeneration. For Surgical treatment the department is equipped with the advanced Micro Incision Vitreous surgery system and its team of expert surgeons caters to advanced retina surgery requirements including Retina Detachments, Ocular Trauma, Diabetic Micro Incision Vitreous surgery, Macular Hole surgery etc.

Additionally, a team of caring doctors is available at a retina helpline number to all patients for immediate attention.

What Happens In Retina And Vitreous Disease

Retina diseases affect the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that sends visual signals to the brain. When the retina is damaged, vision can become blurred, distorted, or lost. Common problems include swelling, poor blood supply, tears, or detachment of the retina, which can interfere with how images are formed and processed.

Vitreous diseases involve the vitreous gel—the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye and supports the retina. With age or disease, the vitreous can shrink, become cloudy, or pull away from the retina. This may cause floaters, flashes of light, or in severe cases, lead to retinal tears or bleeding.

Symptoms

Clouded, blurred or dim vision

Redness in Eyes

Difficulty with vision at night

Flashes of Light

Causes of Retina and Vitreous Diseases

Diabetes

High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, leading to swelling, bleeding, or abnormal vessel growth.

Age-related Changes

Natural aging can cause thinning of the retina or shrinkage of the vitreous gel, leading to floaters, flashes, or vision loss.

Retinal Tears or Detachment

The retina may tear or detach due to trauma, strong vitreous pulling, or advanced myopia (high nearsightedness).

Vascular Disorders

Blockage of retinal blood vessels can lead to sudden vision loss due to reduced blood supply.

Types Of Retinal Diseases

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes that affects the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. High blood sugar levels over time can damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak fluid or bleed. In the early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can lead to blurred vision, dark spots, floaters, and difficulty seeing at night. Severe cases may result in retinal detachment or significant vision loss. Risk factors include long-term diabetes, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Treatment focuses on maintaining good blood sugar and blood pressure control, along with regular eye check-ups. Advanced cases may require laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or vitrectomy surgery. Early detection through routine eye exams is crucial to prevent permanent vision problems and maintain eye health.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition in which the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, separates from its normal position. When this happens, the retina cannot function properly, leading to vision problems. Common warning signs include sudden flashes of light, a rapid increase in floaters, blurred vision, or the appearance of a dark shadow or curtain over part of the visual field. Retinal detachment can be caused by retinal tears, aging-related changes in the vitreous, eye injury, or high myopia. It is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Management usually involves surgical procedures such as laser treatment, cryotherapy, or retinal surgery to reattach the retina and prevent permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis greatly improves the chances of restoring vision.

Age- Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. It usually occurs in older adults and leads to gradual loss of central vision, making activities like reading, writing, and recognizing faces difficult. Early symptoms include blurred or distorted central vision and faded colors, while peripheral vision is usually preserved. AMD is mainly of two types: dry AMD, which progresses slowly due to thinning of the macula, and wet AMD, which is more severe and caused by abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. Risk factors include aging, smoking, family history, and poor nutrition. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and anti-VEGF injections in advanced cases. Early detection through regular eye check-ups can help slow progression and preserve vision.

Types Of Vitreous Diseases

Posterior Vitreous Detachment

Posterior vitreous detachment is a common age-related eye condition in which the vitreous gel inside the eye shrinks and separates from the retina. As this occurs, people may notice sudden floaters, flashes of light, or mild blurring of vision. PVD itself is usually harmless and does not cause permanent vision loss, but in some cases, the pulling of the vitreous can lead to retinal tears or detachment. It most commonly occurs after the age of 50 and is more frequent in people with high myopia or after eye surgery. Most cases only require observation, but an immediate eye examination is important if symptoms suddenly increase to rule out serious retinal problems.

Vitreous Hemorrhage

Vitreous hemorrhage occurs when blood leaks into the vitreous gel, the clear substance that fills the inside of the eye. This bleeding commonly results from conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears or detachment, eye injury, or abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Symptoms may include sudden blurred vision, dark spots, floaters, or a reddish haze that blocks clear sight. The severity of vision loss depends on the amount of bleeding. Mild cases may clear on their own as the blood slowly absorbs, while severe or persistent cases may require treatment such as laser therapy or vitrectomy surgery. Prompt eye examination is important to identify the underlying cause and prevent further vision complications.

Vitreomacular Traction

Vitreomacular traction is an eye condition in which the vitreous gel inside the eye remains partially attached to the macula and pulls on it as it shrinks with age. This traction can distort the macula, leading to blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading, and seeing straight lines as wavy. VMT commonly occurs in older adults and may be associated with conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular changes. Mild cases may be monitored, as symptoms can remain stable or improve on their own. More severe cases may require treatment with medications, injections, or vitrectomy surgery to relieve the traction and restore clearer vision.

Treatments Of Vitreoretinal Disease

Intravitreal Injections

Intravitreal injections are a cornerstone in the treatment of many vitreoretinal disorders. Anti-VEGF injections are commonly used for diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. These medications help reduce retinal swelling, prevent leakage from abnormal blood vessels, and slow disease progression. Steroid injections or implants may be used when inflammation plays a major role or when anti-VEGF therapy is insufficient. In infectious or inflammatory vitreoretinal diseases, appropriate antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory medications are essential to control the underlying cause.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is an important treatment option for many vitreoretinal diseases and is used to protect the retina and prevent further vision loss. It works by delivering focused beams of light to specific areas of the retina, creating small, controlled burns that help seal leaking blood vessels, reduce retinal swelling, and stop the growth of abnormal new blood vessels. Laser therapy is commonly used in conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal tears, and holes, where it helps stabilize the retina and lowers the risk of complications like retinal detachment. Different techniques, such as focal or grid laser treatment and pan-retinal photocoagulation, are selected based on the severity and type of disease. The procedure is usually quick, safe, and performed on an outpatient basis, with minimal discomfort and recovery time. While laser therapy may not restore vision already lost, it plays a crucial role in preserving existing vision and slowing disease progression. Regular follow-up after treatment is essential to monitor retinal health and ensure long-term visual stability.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment plays a crucial role in managing advanced or vision-threatening vitreoretinal diseases when medical or laser therapy is not sufficient. The most common procedure is vitrectomy surgery, in which the vitreous gel is removed to treat conditions such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and severe vitreomacular traction. By removing blood, scar tissue, or traction from the retina, surgery helps restore the normal structure of the retina and improve or stabilize vision. In cases of retinal detachment, additional techniques may be used to reposition and secure the retina in place, allowing it to heal properly. Vitreoretinal surgeries are usually performed under local or general anesthesia and require careful postoperative care. Although recovery may take time, timely surgical intervention is often essential to prevent permanent vision loss and preserve eye health.

Did You Know?

Many vitreoretinal diseases like posterior vitreous detachment or retinal tears can start without pain.

Floaters and flashes of light are often the first warning signs of vitreoretinal problems.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent vision loss in vitreoretinal diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms?

Common symptoms include floaters, flashes of light, blurred or distorted vision, dark spots, and sudden loss of vision. Some diseases may have no early symptoms.

How can I prevent vitreoretinal diseases?

Control underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, avoid smoking, maintain a healthy diet, and have regular eye check-ups.

When should I see an eye specialist immediately?

Seek urgent care if you experience sudden flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, dark shadows or curtain-like vision, or sudden vision loss.

Can lifestyle changes help in management?

Yes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, along with proper nutrition and regular exercise, can slow disease progression and improve outcomes.

Can vitreoretinal diseases affect only one eye?

Yes. Many conditions, like retinal tears or vitreous hemorrhage, can occur in just one eye, but systemic conditions like diabetic retinopathy often affect both eyes.

Is vision loss from vitreoretinal disease permanent?

It can be if untreated. However, early diagnosis and timely treatment—like laser therapy, injections, or surgery—can prevent permanent loss and preserve useful vision.