RETINA CLINIC
Retinal diseases vary widely – some are common and easily treatable, while others are rare, more difficult to diagnose and require more complex treatment. People with retinal diseases experience an array of symptoms, from specks floating in their vision to blurred or lost vision. A significant percentage of retinal blindness is due to Diabetic Retinopathy. India is called as “World Diabetes Capital”, it is estimated that 50 million people are living with diabetes. It is estimated that 15 to 25% of the diabetic population have diabetic retinopathy (blindness caused by diabetes), and everyone has the potential to develop it over a period of time. West Bengal is ranked as the 4th Indian state with highest DR population.
SGLEH has launched a long-term intervention for prevention and control of Diabetic Retinopathy in collaboration with World Diabetes Foundation. SGLEH was the first eye care institute of this region to set up a dedicated department of Vitreo-retina in 2009. The department has all the latest equipment like Digital fundus camera, ultrasound, B- scan, Green laser; for operation theater services there is accurus vitrectomy machine. All types of cases related to Retina are routinely seen and treated regularly.
The department is regularly carrying out treatments like vitrectomy surgeries, Retinal detachment surgeries, macular hole surgeries, Sutureless vitrectomies. Intravitreal injections (Lucentis, Avastin) for diseases like ARMD Retinal Vein occlusions with macular edema, PDR, DME are regularly being carried out at affordable cost.
6,417
Number of persons where screened and diagnosed with retina related ailments
374
Persons underwent retina surgeries
93
Walk-in to the Retina OPD everyday where speciality treatments is provided to all age groups and gender
2741
Intra Vitreal Injections and Laser procedure conducted
Inferences 2019-20
Few common FAQs’ about retinal diseases
What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes causes the weakening of blood vessels in the body. The blood vessels in the retina are tiny and delicate and thus are more prone to undergo this deformation. Thus, these deformations and accompanied by structural changes of the retina is termed as Diabetic Retinopathy which leads to loss of vision. The patients initially wouldn’t suffer from any symptoms and they will have perfect vision even though there would be bleeding and swelling of the retina. It is treatable at this stage so it is vital to get your retina examined regularly even though the vision is normal.
Symptoms
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Blurred Vision
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Flashes
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Floaters
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Visual impairment
What is the treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Laser is widely used treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy, a high energy beam is used to stop or slow down the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Laser treatment is usually treated as an out-patient procedure. The ophthalmologist guides the laser beam on the diseased tissue which either reduces the retinal thickening or halts the bleeding. Some temporary side effects are caused post this treatment such as mild headache, watering of
eyes and glares.
Vitrectomy
Due to the bleeding of the weakened vessels into the vitreous vision can be significantly reduced. These are signs of advance Diabetic Retinopathy. In these circumstances, the vitreous is surgically removed (vitrectomy) and replaced by a clear artificial solution.
All Diabetics get Diabetic Retinopathy?
Every diabetic is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. It is very important to get your retina checked if you are suffering from diabetes periodically as there are no initial symptoms for DR. Sometimes DR can occur in patients who have their blood sugar in control.
What causes the loss in vision?
Mainly the vision loss is caused due to two conditions :
Diabetic Macular Edema: The weakened blood vessels leak and accumulate fluid in the retina which causes swelling and exudation in the macula of the retina causing loss of vision.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy(PDR): Due to the weakening of the blood vessels, new abnormal blood vessels grow or proliferate causing bleeding into the vitreous. Vitreous is a jelly-like substance in front of the retina. A severe vision loss occurs due to the bleeding into the vitreous.