Vitreoretinal Services

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Vitreoretinal Services

Advanced Medical & Surgical Care for the Retina and Vitreous.

The retina is the light-sensitive film at the back of the eye, acting like the film in a camera to capture images for the brain. Our Vitreoretinal Department specializes in the diagnosis and management of complex retinal diseases using state-of-the-art diagnostics and Minimally Invasive Vitreous Surgery (MIVS).

Overview

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency where the retina separates from the underlying layers (the choroid) that line the inner wall of the eye. Through a retinal tear, liquid from the vitreous passes through and peels the retina away. This leads to a loss of function and sudden or gradual vision loss.

Who is at Risk?
  • High Myopia: People with high minus power (nearsightedness).
  • Trauma: History of direct injury to the eye.
  • Surgical History: Patients who have had previous cataract surgery.
  • Genetics: Family history of retinal detachment.
  • Floaters: Sudden appearance of black specks, dots, or cobwebs.
  • Flashes: Brief streaks of light (lightning bolts) in peripheral vision.
  • The Curtain Effect: A dark shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision.
  • Preventative (Laser/Cryopexy): For retinal tears with minimal detachment. We use lasers or freezing probes to seal the tear before it progresses.
  • Scleral Buckling: A silicone band is placed around the eye to counteract the pulling force on the retina.
  • Vitrectomy Surgery: Advanced surgery to remove the vitreous gel and replace it with a gas bubble or silicone oil to push the retina back in place.

Overview

Diabetic Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood vessels feeding the retina. These vessels may leak blood or fluid, causing swelling (Macular Edema) and clouding of vision. It is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Who is at Risk?
  • Duration: The longer you have had diabetes, the higher the risk.
  • Control: Uncontrolled blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  • Pregnancy: Gestational diabetes can accelerate retinal changes.
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking increases blood vessel damage significantly.
  • Early Stage: Often asymptomatic (silent).
  • Late Stage: Fluctuating vision, blurred central vision, or dark “holes” in vision.
  • Color Perception: Difficulty perceiving colors vividly.
  • Intravitreal Injections (Anti-VEGF): Medicine injected into the eye to reduce swelling and stop abnormal vessel growth.
  • Retinal Laser (PRP): An intense beam of light is focused on the retina to stop bleeding and shrink abnormal vessels.
  • Vitrectomy: Performed in advanced stages where the vitreous is filled with blood (Vitreous Hemorrhage) or scar tissue.

Overview

AMD is a progressive condition that damages the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Who is at Risk?
  • Age: Primary risk factor is being over 50.
  • Genetics: Family history of AMD.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking doubles the risk of AMD.
  • Cardiovascular Health: Hypertension and obesity.
  • Metamorphopsia: Straight lines (like door frames) appear wavy or bent.
  • Central Blur: A blurred or dark spot in the center of your vision.
  • Low Light: Difficulty seeing in dim environments.
  • Dry AMD: Managed with lifestyle changes and AREDS2 formula vitamins to slow progression.
  • Wet AMD: Treated aggressively with Anti-VEGF Injections (e.g., Lucentis, Eylea, Avastin) to dry up leaking vessels and preserve vision.

Overview

Often referred to as an “eye stroke,” this occurs when a vein in the retina becomes blocked, preventing blood from draining out. This causes leakage, hemorrhages, and swelling.

Who is at Risk?
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure is the leading cause.
  • Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure can compress retinal veins.
  • Age: Most common in people over 60.
  • Sudden Onset: Sudden, painless blurring or loss of vision in one eye.
  • Distortion: Objects may look smaller or distorted.
  • Intravitreal Injections: Steroids or Anti-VEGF drugs to reduce macular swelling.
  • Laser Therapy: To treat areas of poor blood flow.

Accurate treatment begins with precise diagnosis. Our clinic is equipped with:

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging test (similar to an ultrasound but using light) to take cross-section pictures of your retina.
  • Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA): A dye test to examine blood circulation in the retina.
  • B-Scan Ultrasonography: Used to view the back of the eye when media is hazy (e.g., dense cataract).

Patient FAQs

Is retinal laser treatment painful?

No, It is done under topical anesthesia (eye drops). You may feel a slight prickly sensation or see bright flashes of light, but it is generally not painful.

If a gas bubble is placed in your eye, vision will be blurry for a few weeks until the gas absorbs. You may need to maintain a specific head position (face down) for a few days.

No, We dilate your pupils to examine the retina, which makes vision blurry and sensitive to light for 4–6 hours. Please bring a driver.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs. A detached retina or diabetic bleed requires immediate attention to save your sight.

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