Category: General

This is the most common myth associated with retinal conditions. Just like any other eye condition or other
general bodily disease: retinal conditions are very much treatable and gives excellent results.

The best results are obtained when retinal diseases are diagnosed early. Earlier a problem is diagnosed, sooner the treatment can be started and better results can be expected

Since retina is examined after dilating the retina and vision is temporarily blurred, it is always advisable to have an attender when going for an retinal exam.

Following are conditions where an immediate retinal exam is needed without delay

• Babies born prematurely( insist your pediatrician for the same)
• Those with sudden loss of vision, like a curtain falling in front of the eye
• Those with sudden blurring of vision noticed during reading
• Those developing sudden flashes or floaters
• Those who already have been referred for a retinal exam
• Children (< 5 years) with a white reflex in the center of the eye
• Patients who are known diabetic or having blood pressure and have noticed recent blurring of vision
• Those with recent headache and blurring of vision
• Those seeing double and having recent headache

Ideally every eye exam should also include a dilated eye examination. After the age of 40, yearly retinal exam is mandatory.

Following are patients who need a thorough retinal exam

• Those with diabetes( recently diagnosed and already on  diabetic therapy)
• Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart( cardiac ) conditions
• Those with any other multiple systemic issues
• Those with high minus power( > -4)
• Those with history of retinal surgeries in family
• Those with eye injury( ball, shuttle cork and other forms)

Thorough status of retina cannot be evaluated by a normal eye exam. To have a proper evaluation , special drops called as dilating drops are put after which retina can be properly checked.

After putting the drops the vision gets blurry which is temporary and lasts no more than 2 hours. It is important to avoid driving for the same period.

Retina is an important sensory part of the eye. The images that we see are generated through the front part of the eye comprising of cornea and lens which are then focused onto the Retina. It can be compared to a film in a camera where the images are formed.