RESEARCH

ADVERSE EFFECT OF SMOG ON THE EYES

Diwali is over and we are left with its severe side-effects. When we talk about side-effects, we are not just talking about the breathing problems, there’s more to it. Apart from asthma, skin problems like acne, dull and dry skin, eczema, rashes and irritation in the eyes, eye infections, dry/red eyes are some other issues that are playing havoc on the health of people. It has been reported that post-Diwali, the air quality in India was the worst i.e. between 40-100%. The air quality index is reported to be 445 which comes under ‘severe’ category.

While the heavy smog (the worst in the last 17 years) and increased pollutants in the air after the festival are making headlines, the medical fraternity is highly concerned with the escalation in the number of cases related to asthma, heart diseases, skin problems and eye infections.

NEGATIVE EFFECT ON THE EYES

The Diwali smog has left people with watery eyes. The best eye specialists in India are also receiving cases of eye irritation and infections. Eyes are the most sensitive part of the body. High pollution levels may lead to eye infections and irritation in the eye. Dr. Sridevi Gunda, Ophthalmologist, iTek Vision Centre says, “The most common problems due to the pollution are redness, burning sensation, itching, watering, dry or gritty sensation or allergic reaction which can cause vision loss, especially in complicated cases.” In order to combat the negative effects of air pollution on the eyes, one should consult the best eye care specialist in Delhi who can screen, and diagnose the issue and suggest suitable treatment for eye care.

TREATMENT & USEFUL TIPS FOR EYE CARE

Eye specialists advise that one should use cool, compress regularly. Over the counter eye drops and regular eye wash is of utmost importance. Wash your hands thoroughly and do not touch your eye frequently. Visit an eye specialist or the best eye care centre in Noida, in case the condition persists for a long time. Here are some tips that will come handy while taking care of your precious eyes-

• Maintain hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly.
• Do not rub your eyes with dirty hands as it may cause eye infection.
• Wear sunglasses while stepping out in the sun especially at places where there is dust.
• Do not use eye makeup if you have eye infection as the chemicals in the cosmetics can harm your eyes.
• Wash your eyes with cold water. You can also use rosewater to soothe eyes.
• If the condition persists, consult an eye specialist immediately.

AGE RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION & THE ROLE OF DIET

A recent study published by the Journal EMBO Molecular Medicine says that the bacteria present in the intestine will determine if the person may develop wet AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration). The study brought a new angle to the vision-related disease.

In simple terms, AMD is an age-related problem that deteriorates the central vision required to see the object clearly. In this condition, the macula in the retina degrades with age and cause ‘blind spots’. This affects the visual acuity which is responsible for the ability to see fine details while reading, recognizing faces, watching television etc. iTek Vision Centre is the best eye care centre in Noida where the specialists examine the vision related problems so that action can be taken immediately to avoid serious consequences.

DRY AMD VS WET AMD

The best eye retina doctors in Delhi will agree that while the dry AMD results in pigment deposition and thinning of macular tissue, wet AMD is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels in the macula, which is not a right condition for the eyes. These new blood vessels are fragile and leak blood and fluid.

• The dry AMD is more common than the wet form which is an advanced form of AMD and may lead to vision loss.
• Dry AMD is characterized by yellow spots (Drusen) developed from the debris deposited by the damaged tissues.
• In Dry AMD, light sensitive cell breaks down and inhibits the functioning of the macula.
• If not taken care of, the dry AMD can progress to wet AMD which can lead to complete vision loss.
• In wet AMD, straight lines may appear wavy. In this condition, contact the best eye care centre in Delhi immediately.

The study by EMBO reveals that the diet rich in fat may aggravate the wet AMD since the fat alters the bacteria in the gut which has the ability to cause low-grade inflammation in the body gradually resulting in wet AMD.

ROLE OF DIET IN AMD

Although, it is a universal fact that a good diet and healthy nutrition increases the immunity of the body and protects you from various disease. When we talk about wet AMD, a balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables, and fruits delay the incidence of age-related macular degeneration.

• Antioxidants are great for eye health! They protect against oxidation which is an integral process of AMD. Therefore, foods like red grapes, oranges, and mango are good for eye health.
• Omega 3 is good for healthy eyes: Consuming fish at least thrice a week also helps prevent macular degeneration as it provides omega 3 which is good for the heart as well as eyes. Fish capsules are highly popular for preventing eye diseases.
• Fat Intake should be monitored: High consumption of saturated fats increases the risk of AMD.
• Vitamin supplements are good: Vitamin E, C and micronutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin are great for your eyes.

Although the role of diet in the prevention of AMD is not strong as compared to other diseases such as heart or blood pressure, it still has some effect in delaying the process of AMD. Visit eye care specialists in Delhi for a regular eye check-up to monitor the health of eyes and be prepared.

COMMON CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT YOUR CORNEA DRASTICALLY

The Cornea is an essential part of the eye which is responsible for accurate vision. It reflects just the right amount of light in a particular direction and results in a perfect view. The cornea is the sole reason that initiates the involuntary action of the eyelids that lets them close properly.

The cornea is made up of 5 different layers namely—Corneal Epithelium (outermost layer), Bowman’s layer, Corneal Stroma, Descemet’s Membrane, and Corneal Endothelium (Innermost layer). Since it is the most sensitive part, even a minor injury can lead to complications and complex eye problems like blurred vision, eye pain, light sensitivity, corneal scarring etc. Almost every vision center has corneal treatment in Delhi. However, it is always better to understand the source of damage so that enough precautions can be taken. Here’s a list of some common conditions that has effects on the cornea. These conditions are absolutely normal but if they persist, they can drastically affect the cornea.

• Common Allergies: Various factors like dust, molds, pollens, strong smoke or perfumes can cause eye allergies. A person may experience symptoms like itchiness, burning, watery discharge, light sensitivity, and hazy vision. Using over the counter eye drops, application of cool compressors or by eliminating the source of allergens, you can protect your eyes from any kind of discomfort.
• Dry Eyes: One of the most common eye problems in winters—dry eyes causes severe pain in the eyes. The role of tears is to keep the eyes moist and remove all the dirt and irritants through tears. In the case of dry eyes, the person may experience a burning sensation, redness and hazy vision in the eye. This is generally caused due to excessive use of contact lenses, exposure to smoke or allergens. The treatment also depends on the cause of allergy. Warm compresses, eye-drops, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) and modifications in the environment help avoid this problem.
• Infections: Since cornea doesn’t have any blood vessels, it struggles to fight against infections and hence falls victim to conditions like conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Apart from this virus infections like herpes simplex and herpes zoster causes itching, swelling and pain, and discharge from the eye. Creams, antibiotics, and eye drops are the best treatments for eye infections.
• Shingles: Also known as Herpes Zoster, it is caused by varicella-zoster virus. The virus generally remains inactive in the central nervous system but once active, it causes blisters and rashes which are called as shingles. This causes decreased corneal sensitivity. Oral anti-viral treatment has to be followed to counteract the problem. In the case of severe pain, it is advised to visit corneal eye treatment hospital Delhi wherein qualified eye specialists offer the best eye treatment.
• Eye Injuries: Injuries like superficial scratches can cause light sensitivity and tearing. In case of deep injuries, there is a huge possibility of vision loss. Hence, eye protection is highly important.

Since the cornea is a highly sensitive yet important part of the eye, simple conditions like dirt and dust can cause allergies that can put your eye health at a risk. Therefore, one should give special attention to the eyes and be extra cautious while exposing our eyes to the outside world.

DIABETES CAN AFFECT YOUR VISION- AN EYE-OPENING FACT

In India, diabetes is spreading like an epidemic. More than 651 million people are struggling with this condition which is not even sparing children and young working adults. In 2015, almost 415 million adults were living with diabetes and the number is predicted to escalate to 642 million by 2040 (International Diabetes Federation). Diabetes not only affects the overall health of the body but is a deadly threat to the eyesight.

Lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, improper diabetic management and opting home remedies instead of medical treatment often leads to eye problems related to diabetes, says Dr.Sridevi Haldar from Itek Vision Centre. This World Diabetes Day, let’s take a pledge to take care of your vision. Read on to know more about the effect of diabetes on your eyes.

DIABETES- THE SILENT ‘EYESIGHT’ KILLER

Very few people are aware of the fact that diabetes can cause vision loss or even complete blindness. Various conditions like Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma etc. are caused by diabetes! It is not necessary that every diabetic person may have these eye conditions but almost all of these conditions can cause complete vision loss.

HOW DIABETES AFFECT EYES—AN EYE-OPENER

1. You May Develop Diabetic Retinopathy (DR): It is the most common condition caused due to diabetes that affects the eye and is considered as the main cause of blindness amongst working adults. The problem leads to changes in the retinal blood vessels causing bleeding, leakage of fluid and distorted vision. This condition generally goes unnoticed until vision loss starts. DR is most common among adults aged between 20–74 years. DR can be of three different types-

Background Diabetic Retinopathy: Although, this doesn’t affect your eyes but you need to pay special attention by conducting regular eye check-ups.

Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Bleeding in the blood vessels of the area around retina can affect your vision.

Diabetic Maculopathy: This may lead to a blurred central vision which is required for seeing fine details.

2.Diabetic Person is Highly Susceptible to Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME is a condition followed by Diabetic Retinopathy. If DM is untreated, it may develop pressure on the eye which causes swelling in the macula, inside the retina. DME is characterized by blurred vision, floaters, double vision; it might lead to complete blindness. Generally, there are two types of DME-

• Focal DME: Due to abnormalities in the blood vessel.
• Diffuse DME: It is caused due to swelling of the retinal capillaries.

3.Beware of Cataract: Cataract may appear in early age among people suffering from diabetes. Characterized by the clouding of the eye lens, cataract is mainly caused due to increased glucose levels in the lens causing swelling. Diabetic person can suffer from-

• Subcapsular Cataract: The condition originates at the back of the lens.
• Nuclear Cataract: It is related to aging and originate in the nucleus (center part) of the lens.
• Cortical Cataract: Starting from the periphery, cortical cataract affects the central part of the Lens.

4.You are vulnerable to Glaucoma: The condition affects the optic nerve that transmits images to the brain, glaucoma is generally caused due to the pressure inside the eye. In severe cases, it might lead to a complete loss of vision. Blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, nausea, the appearance of rainbow colored circles in bright light are certain symptoms of glaucoma which should not be neglected.

SIMPLE TIPS TO CONTROL VISION LOSS DUE TO DIABETES

Early detection, timely intervention and regular follow-up can delay the vision loss among people with diabetes.

• Control your blood glucose level and regularly take prescribed medications
• Maintain a physically active life and try to control your blood pressure
• A healthy diet can definitely delay vision related issues in diabetes
• Go for a complete eye check-up, preferably comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year
• Maintain an ideal body weight

With World Diabetic Day round the corner, let’s make a resolution to take good care of your health and don’t let diabetes trigger your vision loss.

HOW DOES ALCOHOL AFFECT THE HEALTH OF THE EYES

It is a known fact that alcohol drastically affects the vision. Not only it leads to blurred vision but also has a long-term effect on the eyesight resulting in a permanent loss of vision i.e. toxic amblyopia. Here are a few pointers that will through some light on the adverse effect of alcohol on the vision.

• Decreased Visual Performance: Not only it leads to decreased visual performance because of blurred/ double vision, it lowers the eye-muscle coordination.
• Slower Pupil Reaction: The first and foremost effect of alcohol on the eye is a slower pupil reaction. As a result, the iris constricts and dilate in a much slower speed. This is the only reason why drunken driving should be prohibited as it becomes difficult for a drunk driver to concentrate on the oncoming headlights and hence, might result in an accident.
• Lowered Contrast Sensitivity: Due to the effect of alcohol, it becomes difficult for the eyes to distinguish between different objects in terms of lightness and contrast. Due to this driving in the evening becomes really difficult.
• Myokymia: Excessive intake of alcohol may lead to eyelid twitching, a condition term as Myokymia.
• Decreased Peripheral Vision: Due to peripheral vision, the person may have a perception of a tunnel vision. Dry Eyes: Alcohol may lead to the problem of dry eyes exhibiting symptoms like stinging or burning sensation, discharge from the eye, heavy eyelids, sandy or gritty feeling in the eye etc.
• Optic Neuropathy: This condition is also referred to as tobacco-alcohol amblyopia and it emerges in people who consume alcohol and tobacco in excess. Symptoms like reduced color vision, decreased peripheral vision and painless loss of vision etc. are some alarming signs that alcohol is negatively affecting your eyes.
• Frequent Migraines:Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to frequent migraines and hence, it is difficult for a person to focus on direct light. General headaches and blind spots, greying of vision, zig-zag patterns are other ill-effects of alcohol.
• Red Eyes: Due to swelling of blood vessels in the eyes, the eyes may constantly appear red and swollen. Rapid Eye Movement:One of the common symptoms, rapid eye movement restricts a person to concentrate on anything.

Apart from these short-term effects, the person may develop cataract and are at high risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Alcohol affects the absorption of vitamins in the body, putting the person at a risk of issues like night blindness, retinal damage, corneal perforation etc.

Recommendations

In order to save yourself from the harsh effects of alcohol on eyes, it is recommended to-

• Limit yourself! Stick to one alcoholic beverage per hour.
• Always avoid drinking on an empty stomach
• Drink plenty of water in between to reduce intoxication.

EYE CARE AFTER AGE 40

As per WHO data, approximately 82% blind people are aged 50 years and above. It is a universal fact that with ageing, the vision starts declining and become susceptible to vision related issues such as presbyopia, cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy. Other common age-related eye problems like reduced pupil size, dry eyes, loss of peripheral vision, decreased color vision, vitreous detachment is more likely to occur once you cross the age of 40. Hence, it is of utmost importance to take care of your eyes right from the beginning in order to maintain a good eyesight even after 40 years of age.

Here are a few tips that can help you maintain a healthy vision.

• Routine Eye Exams:Regular eye check-ups are a necessity especially after age 40.
• Healthy Diet:A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants are good for the health of the eyes.
• Suitable Eyeware: Once you are diagnosed with a special eye issue, make sure to use specified eyeware and spectacles to control the eye problem right there. Always protect your eyes while going out in the dust to prevent infections.
• Keep a Check on Oral Medications:In case you are on any kind of medically prescribed drug, always inform your ophthalmologist who would keep a tab on the side effects (if any) of those medicines.
• Regular Health Check-ups:Medical condition like Diabetes, Blood pressure, Chikungunya etc. can affect your eyes in the long term. Regular health check-ups will let you have a fair idea about the severity of the disease and this way you can make amendments in your diet and lifestyle that will protect your eyes from these disease related eye issues.
• Maintain Good Lighting Conditions:Make sure that you have adequate lighting while reading, writing or doing things that require concentration. Avoid overhead lighting while studying.
• Do Not Ignore The Symptoms: Early detection of the problem will result in early intervention and hence, do not ignore symptoms like pain/redness in the eye, the appearance of eye floaters etc. Visit your doctor immediately and get an eye check-up done.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices:Avoid smoking, tobacco, and alcohol. Try to inculcate eye-exercises in your daily routine and do not skip an 8 hour sleep. Try to take a break from your desktop and laptop. This way you will not put a strain on your eyes.
• Know Your Family History: Try to have an in-depth information about various health related issues in your family. As some issues are genetic and put you at a higher risk of eye diseases, a good knowledge of the issue will save you from the severe eye problems since you can take precautions from the beginning.

Include Multivitamins in Your Routine: Apart from a healthy diet, your body requires additional vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy eyesight. Therefore, make it a habit to include multivitamins in your routine.

LIST OF 10 COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS YOU MUST UNDERGO

Regular eye check-ups are one of the basic practices that makes sure that you have happy and healthy eyes. Unless you keep a tab on your vision and the problems related to it, you cannot start off an effective treatment to counteract eye problems. There are certain basic eye tests like reading an eye chart to diagnose a perfect vision or many other complex eye tests like investigating the retina, cornea and other small parts of the eye that reflect the exact condition of the eye. Depending upon the complexity of the test, it may take more than an hour to conduct the entire procedure. Here’s a complete guide to some eye tests that should be conducted frequently to keep a check on the eyesight.

• Visual Acuity Test:The test is one of the basic eye exams used to check the sharpness of the vision. In this test, you are asked to read an eye chart in which the words are scribbled in various fonts & sizes. The result gives a fair idea about the distance visual acuity and hand-held acuity to measure your near vision.
• Colorblindness Test:To detect colorblindness, this test is of utmost importance. The results reveal the color vision deficiencies and other eye problems that might affect you in the later years of life.
• Cover Test:The cover test is very useful to detect strabismus, binocular vision, amblyopia, eye strain etc. It is one of the basic tests wherein the doctor will ask you to focus on an object placed nearby and cover each of your eyes alternately. The procedure is repeated while you try to concentrate on an object placed at a distance.
• Ocular Motility:The test is used to determine the movement of the eyes in terms of speed and accuracy. This also includes testing of smooth eye movement wherein the ophthalmologist may ask you to follow the movement of a light or some other source. To check the quickness, you may be asked to move your eyes between two different objects placed at a small distance. Issues related to eye movement can cause strain on the eye, readability, sports vision etc.
• Stereopsis Test:It is a depth perception test and is also conducted to detect appreciation of the 3D objects. The test is generally conducted to detect ocular motility and strabismus. There are almost six different types of stereopsis.
• Slit lamp Biomicroscopic Examination:The test is conducted to have a thorough review of the anterior portion of the eye like eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva, cornea, and iris etc. During the test, the patient is made to sit in a chair with their chin and forehead resting on a beam. The doctor will then put eye drops containing fluorescein that wash away tears and make the pupil dilate. A slit lamp having high-intensity light is used to examine the eye. Eye problems like Macular degeneration, Retinal detachment, Cataract, Cornea problem etc. can be easily detected.
• Gonioscopy:This eye test is conducted to check the drainage system in the eye. A special contact lens prism is placed on the surface of the eye to visualise the angle and inspect the drainage system.

TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY EYES OF YOUR KIDS

Eyes are one of the most precious gifts that we’ve received from god. Hence, it is our duty to maintain a good health of the eyes. A shocking news from China recently made headlines wherein it was reported that a newborn baby lost his vision because of excessive exposure to camera flashlight. Since parents were unaware of the harsh effects of light on his delicate eyes, it leads to a life-long deformity in the newborn. As per the American Optometry Association (AOA), every 1 in 4 children has a vision-related condition and approximately 60% of learning disabilities are associated with vision problems.

Eye problems in children can lead to behavioral, physical and developmental problems including neurological issues. If not diagnosed and treated at the right time, the problems like strabismus, amblyopia may lead to a complete loss of vision. Children may also face issue with depth perception, poor hand-eye coordination and other serious issues like glaucoma, retinal disease etc.

Eyes of children are highly vulnerable and it is of utmost importance to take special care of their vision. Here are some tips that will make sure that your kids’ eyes are happy and healthy!

Limit the time spent on the electronic device: Limit the exposure of your kids to electronic screens & devices like television, laptop, mobile phones, tabs etc. Make sure that they take a break while watching television or playing video games. Too much time in front of the television may cause digital strain and can also cause a backache, apart from the problem of eye strain and dry eye. Also, remember that the computer screen should be placed at least 50 cm away from the eyes.

Lighting in the kids’/study room: Appropriate lighting is necessary to maintain a good eyesight. Make sure that the kids’ room is lighted properly and they do not have a problem while reading. Avoid placing overhead lighting in kids’ room and also instruct your children to keep their books at least 30-40 cm away from their eyes.

Healthy and nutritious diet: Inculcate Vitamin A rich vegetables and fruits in your diet. Yellow, orange and green vegetables and fruits are good for the eyes. Try to reduce the sugar intake in children.

Sleep Right: Make sure that the kids are having at least 8 hours of peaceful sleep. Try to remove all the distractions that may disturb kids’ sound sleep.

20/20/20 Rule: Teach the famous 20/20/20 rule to your children for their happy and healthy eyes. Tell them to take a break every 20 minutes and look 20 feet away for 20 seconds especially while sitting in front of television or computers.

Protect your eyes: While playing sports like cricket, swimming, tennis etc., make sure to protect the eyes of your kids’ to avoid any serious injury. Make them wear a hat or sunglasses when going out in the dust.

Regular Eye check-up: Regularly visit an eye specialist to monitor the eye sight of your kids. Test for long sightedness, short sightedness, astigmatism, amblyopia should be conducted to keep a check on the kids’ vision.

INFECTIONS DUE TO CONTACT LENSES- AN INSIGHT

By itekvis Posted October 10, 2016 In blog, Computer Vision Syndrome, Thyroid Eye Disease 0 0 Those who are not a big fan of wearing spectacles, count upon contact lenses to get that perfect vision. They are not only hassle-free but are much more comfortable and stylish. There is a large user base of contact lenses in India. As per Euromonitor International, the contact lenses are predicted to exhibit a retail value of CAGR 13% with sales of Rs 11 Billion at a constant 2016 prices by 2021. In spite of a large user base, people are still unaware about the care, storage and reuse of the contact lenses which might result in serious eye infections like keratitis, scarred cornea, and corneal transplant or in severe cases, may cause a reduction in vision.

Poor hygiene, poor maintenance, and reuse of the solution are the three main factors that contribute to various eye infections.

Keratitis

Keratitis is an infection of the cornea which is caused due to herpes, bacteria, and fungus. It is one of the most serious infections caused due to contact lenses. If not treated on time, it can have adverse effects on the vision. Keep your eyes open for symptoms like-

• Blurred Vision
• Continuous pain in the eye
• Tearing or discharge from the eye
• Light sensitivity
• Redness in the eye
• Excessive eye pain
• Vision problems

Keratitis can be of three types-

• Bacterial Keratitis: It develops very quickly due to infection of the contact lenses or an injury in the eye.
• Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria are responsible for causing this type of keratitis. In case the infection is superficial, there is no scar on the cornea but if there is any harm to deep corneal layers, a scar may be left which may or may not affect vision depending upon its position.
• Fungal Keratitis:Fusarium, Aspergillus or Candida are the main fungi that are responsible for fungal keratitis.
• Herpers Keratitis:It is caused due to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). While Type I virus is highly contagious and is caused by skin contact causing cold sores, and fever blisters, Type II is sexually transmitted.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis:The infection is caused due to parasites and can cause some serious infection. You should always avoid wearing lenses while swimming.

These infections can cause serious damage to your eye and hence, one should be cautious to protect his eyes by following certain guidelines.

Recommendation

Here are a few tips that can help you keep these infections under control.

• Avoid sleeping while wearing contact lenses. It increases the chances of eye infection by 6-8 times.
• Do not mix the old solution and new solution as it may lower down the germ killing effect drastically.
• Replace your contact lenses often. Refer ophthalmologists to take suggestions regarding the same.
• Avoid wearing extended wear lenses.
• Handle your contact lenses safely. Always wash your hands before handling lenses.
• Regularly wash your contact lenses storage case to eliminate all possibilities of bacterial and fungal infections.
• Do not wear contact lenses frequently. Consult your doctor to know about the prescribed limit.

RETINAL BREAK – AN INSIGHT

The ‘Retina Day’ has passed recently and despite being one of the common eye issues, very few know about retinal break. In a laymen’s term, retina is made up of different layers—sensory layer, middle layer and an innermost layer that contain photoreceptors, nerve cells and ganglion cells that exchange nerve impulses through optic nerve.

Located at the Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE), the function of retina is to retrieve the light focused by the lens and convert it into neutral signals and send it back to the brain for visual recognition. The light is processed through a layer of photoreceptor cells that are sensitive to color and light intensity . This information is sent to the brain that detects and decide what to do with this information. Since, retina plays a pivotal role, any damage, harm or issue can cause permanent blindness.

RETINAL DETACHMENT

The condition wherein retina gets detached from its original position, inhibiting it to perform its regular function of receiving and processing light is termed as retinal detachment. The round contour of the eye is because of the gel-like vitreous body (almost 80%) in the eye which is connected loosely to the retinal surface. This vitreous contracts with age and hence, breaks the retina creating a retinal hole. This leads to the seepage of fluid through the break that results in separation from the underlying RPE. The process is termed as Rhegmatogenous Retinal Break.

CAUSES OF RETINAL BREAK

People with vitreous hemorrhage are at higher risk of posterior vitreous detachment. Various factors that lead to retinal break are-

• Different conditions leading to degeneration of peripheral retina
• Injury/trauma to the eye
• Eye surgery
• Advanced diabetes
• High myopia
• Ageing related retinal tears
• RETINAL BREAK- TYPES & FORM

Retinal breaks can be peripheral or macular.

• The peripheral breaks include operculated breaks where vitreous fibers are pulled off, creating a small hole.
• Flap tears are characterized by a U-shaped or horse shoe tear in the back of the retina leading to fluid collection beneath the sensory layer.
• The most common atrophic holes extend through the full thickness of the retina.

RETINAL BREAK- SYMPTOMS

• Loss of peripheral vision in a particular area
• Floaters that drift through the field of vision
• Flashes of light, blurred vision
• Shadow on your visual field

TREATMENT & PROCEDURES

Since, retinal breakage is a serious issue, it is of utmost importance to diagnose and avail the problem in the initial stages. Vitreous and posterior retina should be screened and diagnosed carefully as there are great chances that it might lead to retinal detachment and associated vision loss. Those with symptomatic flap tears are at greatest risk. The treatment depends upon the risk factors, severity of the symptoms and the type and location of the tear. Cryotherapy and photocoagulation are highly effective methods used to seal retina break by inducing fibrosis around the treated area.