What is The Retina?
The retina is the innermost layer of the eye. It is composed of blood vessels and nerves that transmit signals to the brain. To examine the retina, eye drops are used to dilate the pupil and then the back layer of the eye is examined using a special lens and light.

What Are The Advanced Test For The Retina?
FFA ( Fluorescein Angiography): A bright dye is injected into the arm’s vein and photos of the retina are taken.
OCT ( Optical Coherence Tomography): This is a detailed cross-sectional evaluation of the retina.
USG ( Ultrasound): If the retina cannot be examined due to opacity in the transparent layers in front of it, an eye ultrasound is performed

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetes damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. Vascular abnormalities and impaired blood flow occur in the retinal vessels. Leakage of fluid, swelling and small hemorrhages can happen from weak spots in the vessels. In areas of the retina with no blood flow, the retina becomes deprived of oxygen and unwanted new vessels form. These new vessels are fragile and can lead to significant hemorrhages.

Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy:
Laser Treatment: If areas of the retina that are not receiving proper blood flow are not treated with laser, new blood vessels may form, leading to severe bleeding.
Injection Treatment: Fluid leaking from vessels near the macula causes swelling and impairs vision. To reduce the fluid, an injection of medication is administered into the eye.
Surgical Treatment: If there is significant bleeding that obstructs the view of the retinal layer and the bleeding persists, surgery may be required to clean the blood.

What is Macular Degeneration?
The macula, located in the center of the retina is responsible for central vision. Age-related macular degeneration refers to the deterioration of the macula.

Types of Macular Degeneration:
Dry Type: The most common type. It progressed slowly.
Wet Type: Rare but more severe. It is characterized by bleeding and swelling in the macula, leading to sudden vision loss

Who is at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
Older individuals
Those with a genetic predisposition
Individual with poor dietary habits
Smokers
People with vascular diseases

Symptoms of Macular Degeneration:
• Seeing object as broken, distorted or wavy
• Seeing shadows in the center of vision
• Difficulty with near vision