The retina is the thin layer of issue at the back of the eye that receives light and sends information to the brain via the optic nerve, enabling you to see. Damage to the retina often leads to vision loss.
A retinal vein occlusion can occur when a blocked vein within the retinal circulatory system leaks blood and causes excess fluid in the retina. Depending on the nature of the occlusion, vision loss can result. Retinal vein occlusion occurs most commonly in patients over 60 and those with underlying conditions.
Retinal vein occlusion, which can have few symptoms or blurred vision and sight loss, occurs in two ways: Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (the major retinal vein is blocked) and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (branches of the retinal vein are blocked). Treatment includes intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, steroid injections and retinal laser treatment.
Our surgical retina specialists also treat conditions such as floaters, which are little spots or streaks that appear to move around your eye. Floaters are actually debris that exists in the gel in the main chamber of the eye, called the vitreous. They can result from a range of conditions, including posterior vitreous detachment, posterior uveitis, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal tears and retinal detachment. Floaters should always be checked by an eye specialist.
A common surgery to treat some retinal conditions is a vitrectomy, which involves removing the vitreous using fine instruments, through the sclera.
At the Lions Eye Institute, our clinicians are leaders in their fields. All sub-specialty trained, they provide our patients with the best possible care, using state-of-the-art equipment to help patients achieve a better quality of life.
