Ocular
Anatomy & Disease
Vitreous & Retina
The
vitreous is the area anterior to the retina. It contains a gel -like
substance that thins as we age. The
layer of tissue lining the inside of the back of the eye is
called the retina.
It
contains millions of photoreceptor cells which convert light into images.
The macula is where light comes to a focus - it has mainly cone cells for color
vision.
Retina & Vitreous
Common Disorders Diagnosis Treatment
The vitreous is a clear
gelatin-like substance between the lens of the eye and the retina. Light rays,
carrying images to the brain, must pass through this clear gel on the way to the retina.
The retina
transmits information (carried by light rays) to the
brain via the optic nerve. When disease or injury causes clouding of the vitreous or
damage to the retina, the result is a partial or complete loss of vision. Many of
these diseases are co-managed with a retinal specialist (sub-specialty of ophthalmology).
Common Disorders of the Retina and Vitreous
Diabetic retinopathy is the most common of all retinal diseases. A direct result of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy is an alteration of blood vessels that provide nourishment to the retina. These blood vessels may leak, develop irregular branches, or become enlarged causing poor vision.
4Diabetic Nutrition Studies
4Diabetes Quiz
4Macular Edema
4Neuro-Ophthalmic Manifestations of Diabetes - PDF article
4Optometric Clinical Practice Guideline for the Care of the Patient with Diabetes
Macular degeneration, often associated with aging, is a common retinal disease. With this problem, the central area of the retina deteriorates causing poor central vision and requires prompt evaluation. Further info can be found here, including a video on macular degeneration. Stargardt's disease is the childhood form.
4Cystoid Macular Edema
4Epiretinal Membrane / Macular Pucker / Cellophane Retinopathy
4Epiretinal Membrane
4Macular Degeneration
Retinal detachments can be caused by disease or injury and involve a segment of the retina actually being separated or peeling away from the back wall of the eye. This usually results in the immediate loss (partial or complete) of vision.
4Acquired Retinal Schisis
4Lattice Degeneration
4Macular Hole
4Macular Hole
4Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
4Retinal Detachment (another site)
4Retinal Pigment Epithelium Detachment
4Tractional Retinal Tears
Vitreous disorders are usually characterized by floaters or cloudy vision. Floaters are particles suspended in the vitreous gel, however, they do not represent a danger to your vision. The most common cause of clouding is a hemorrhage (bleeding inside the eye).
4Asteroid Hyalosis
4Flashes and Floaters
4Macular Hole
4Posterior Vitreous Detachment
Other Retinal Conditions can have devastating effects on vision.
4Cancers of the Eye
4Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
4Histoplasmosis
4Hollenhorst Plaque
4Hypertensive Retinopathy
4Pathological Myopia
4Retinal Artery Occlusion
4Retinal Artery Occlusion
4Retinal Vein Occlusion
4Retinitis Pigmentosa
4Retinoblastoma; Parent Guidebook
4Toxocariasis
4Toxoplasmosis
Diagnosing Disorders of the Retina and Vitreous
To diagnose these types of problems, several testing methods are used:
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Indirect Ophthalmoscopy, using a dilated pupil, allows for observation of the vitreous and retina. This method is used as a beginning method for testing.
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Computerized Visual Field analysis is used to map-out defects in vision caused by diseases of the retina. This test determines the extent and location of vision loss.
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Digitally imaged, Fluorescein Angiography requires the injection of a vegetable-based dye into the blood stream, which circulates to the retina. Photographs of the retina are then taken to evaluate diseased areas. Through digital imaging the results of this test are immediate, allowing patients and family members to view the results.
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Ultrasound is used to view the inside and back of the eye when there are obstruction caused by a cataract or damage to the vitreous. This technology provides a "topographical" view of the eye with information that is not possible otherwise.
Treating Disorders of the Retina and Vitreous
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Medications are often used to treat leakage and other vascular disease. The approach is usually to attack the systemic bodily origin of retinal disease, as well as the disease itself.
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Laser treatments are used to treat diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other vascular diseases. The laser is tuned to provide the appropriate wavelength of energy needed to treat the problem. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new treatment that shows great promise.
4Ophthalmic Lasers
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Surgery is required in cases of retinal detachment, scar tissue formation and vitreous hemorrhage. Most operations are performed on a same-day, outpatient basis, without the need for a hospital stay. Patients are awake and comfortable during the entire procedure.
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Specialized lenses can often provide helpful reduction of glare from sunlight and oncoming headlights. A wonderful lens for this purpose is made with melanin.
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Antioxidant vitamins and minerals are often used if the disease is in the early stages. These are recommended on an individual basis. Check out: ScienceBased Health, I-Care.net and VisionWorks.
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