Retina

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a chronic retinal disease that is common from the age of 65. The ageing of the cells of the macula leads to a loss of central vision, which can manifest itself in visual deformities (wavy lines).

Two types of forms:

• Dry form: the most common. The delicate tissues of the macula become thin and no longer function properly. Progression is usually slow
• Wet form: characterised by the growth of abnormal blood vessels behind the macula, which distorts it like the roots of a tree distorting a road for example

Common risk factors are smoking, heredity, age, diet, unprotected UV exposure.

The treatment of AMD depends on the form: for the dry form, there is no treatment to date. Some food supplements prescribed by your ophthalmologist will slow down the progression. For the wet form, a treatment of intravitreal injections will be implemented. In rare cases, laser treatment may also be offered.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the retina. Poorly controlled blood sugar is the main risk factor. It is one of the complications of diabetes. The damage is very often silent. Symptoms only appear at an advanced stage of the disease.

Early and regular screening with your ophthalmologist and precise monitoring of your diabetes are essential.

The treatment of diabetic retinopathy consists of intravitreal injections and/or laser.

The vascular system of the eye consists of arteries that supply oxygen to the retinal tissues and veins that drain the blood and return it to the heart and lungs.

Retinal occlusions or thrombosis are often caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Sometimes another more general or inflammatory disease can lead to retinal vein thrombosis.

Follow-up is very often done in collaboration with the treating physician. The ophthalmological management of these diseases is above all a regular follow-up and will sometimes be completed by intravitreal injections and/or laser.

The retina of a myopic patient is thinner and may be weakened by the progressive and abnormal elongation of the eyeball induced by the disease.

The main retinal complication is the proliferation of abnormal blood vessels (also called neovessels).

Common symptoms are the appearance of a patch in the visual field, floating bodies or flying flies and sometimes flashes of light.

Retinal tearing is another complication seen in myopic patients and in rare cases in trauma.

Treatment is usually based on regular follow-up with the ophthalmologist. However, in the case of neovessels, intravitreal injections, lasers or surgery may be necessary.

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the central part of the eye, consisting of the iris, choroid and ciliary body. It is often characterised by redness in the eye, varying degrees of pain and reduced vision.

The most common causes are autoimmune diseases (arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, etc.) or chronic infections (tuberculosis, chickenpox, etc.). However, the cause of uveitis is often unknown.

Several doctors are involved in the treatment of uveitis: the ophthalmologist, of course, but also the general practitioner, the internist, the rheumatologist, the immunologist or the infectiologist.)

The treatment is often complex and lengthy. If the cause of the uveitis is known, it is important to reduce the inflammation. Treatment is either by instillation of eye drops, orally (tablets), or by intraocular injections (injections directly into the eye).

Central serous retinopathy is a disease of the retina and choroid. It is characterised by the presence of fluid under the retina.

It occurs in young people, most often in men. Stress and the use of corticosteroids is a risk factor.

The most common symptoms are a sudden decrease in vision, a change in colour and size of objects.

Usually, SCCR resolves on its own. Regular follow-up is necessary.