The structure of the human eye has a very complex structure, the most important role in which the retina plays. It is she who is responsible for the perception of color impulses. The development of retinal dystrophy is a dangerous disease that has a direct effect on the vascular ocular system. The disease is insidious and can occur in the absence of obvious symptoms, which greatly complicates its successful treatment.
Dystrophy and its types
The disease can manifest itself in different ways, occur both independently and as a complication of another pathology. The inner lining of the eye (retina) takes a major part in the formation of visual images of a person.
Retinal dystrophy most often combines a number of pathologies that have a devastating effect on the eye tissue, leading to severe visual impairment up to complete loss. Different areas of the retina perform their specific functions. The central part (macula) is responsible for the most subtle details of the perceived object.
The peripheral zone surrounding the macula allows a person to distinguish objects that are around the main object of attention.
It is customary to distinguish between pathology hereditary (congenital) and acquired. Each of which has its own nuances, characteristics and properties.
The hereditary form is divided into two types:
- Retinitis pigmentosa. It is quite rare, accompanied by a violation in the work of the photoreceptors, which are responsible for human vision.
- Dot-white dystrophy. As a rule, it manifests itself from early childhood, and vision can deteriorate even in preschool age.
Acquired dystrophy has its own varieties:
- Central retinal dystrophy, which develops in the part of the eye that is responsible for the clarity of perception of images. It can develop against the background of the formation of low-quality blood vessels in the eye (wet form). Or because of the growth of metabolic products in the eyeball, between the retina and its choroid (dry form).
- Diabetic retinopathy, which implies the development of ocular complications due to illness (diabetes).
- Peripheral dystrophy of the retina most often appears against the background of myopia or after an injury to the eyeball. The level of oxygen and beneficial substances that enter the retina is reduced, which entails the development of pathology. There are no obvious symptoms of the disease in the early stages.
Less commonly, but found in medical practice, is a generalized course of the disease that affects all areas of the retina.
The causes of dystrophy
Most often, pathology overtakes people in old age, and the main reason is a violation of blood circulation and the process of scarring of the central part of the eye.
However, in addition to age, retinal dystrophy can be a consequence of the following factors:
- Changes in the immune system that affect the overall health of the patient.
- Violation of the diet and diet.
- Bad habits and abuse of alcohol, tobacco.
- Eyeball injury, eye infections.
- The presence of diabetes can cause a sharp decrease in vision.
- Heredity.
People falling under the description above are more likely to be at risk for dystrophy of the retina. First of all, a person ceases to see an object in the central region, what happens on the periphery is seen as if in a fog.
Symptoms of the development of the disease
At the first stages, the pathology does not manifest itself with any vivid signs, therefore, it is most often found at a routine examination by an ophthalmologist.
Pathology can be suspected if timely attention is paid to the following symptoms:
- close-up picture loses clarity;
- objects in the central zone of vision are bifurcated;
- veil before the eyes;
- the appearance of "flies" before the eyes;
- severe deterioration in the quality of vision in the dark;
- distortion of visible objects;
- blurring of peripheral vision.
The number and intensity of symptoms depends on the form and stage of the disease. In the absence of treatment for retinal dystrophy , the optic nerve can completely atrophy, resulting in loss of vision.
Peripheral form of pathology
The main symptom of the development of this type of disease is the appearance of black dots in front of the eyes.
When examining the fundus, the peripheral zone is not visible, and the pathology may go unnoticed. Identification of such a pathology is possible only with the use of specialized equipment.
The patient first goes to the doctor with a complaint of a veil before his eyes, and, unfortunately, at this stage it is not possible to restore vision. Drug therapy also becomes useless.
Central retinal damage
This type of pathology is also called chorioretinal dystrophy of the retina. The main complaint with the development of this form of dystrophy is the distortion of the image, the bifurcation of the main visual image.
Dry central retinal dystrophy is considered the most common and well-studied. Cell decomposition products are delayed and accumulate between the retina and choroid. But, as medical practice shows, this form of retinal dystrophy is treatable.
The wet form of central dystrophy has a more aggressive character. The course of the disease is rapid, and a person risks losing his eyesight in a very short time. The fluid through the walls of the vessels penetrates the retina, which greatly complicates the treatment and most often requires surgical intervention. The chances of restoring vision with moist central dystrophy are categorically small, the risk of blindness reaches 90%.
Dystrophy in diabetes
Against the background of the course of diabetes in the body, vision often suffers. Pathological vision problems in people with diabetes are much more common than in others.
The most dangerous for the eyes is diabetic retinopathy, which progressively destroys the retina. It also develops for a long time without symptoms, which greatly complicates the treatment.
In the early stages, retinopathy can be stopped using advanced methods, increasing the chance of preserving the patient’s vision. If a person has diabetes, then he should undergo an ophthalmological examination regularly to save himself from future blindness.
It is recommended to be examined at least twice a year, and if diabetes develops for a long time, the frequency of eye tests should be increased.
It is important to note the fact that with type 1 diabetes using insulin, a sharp loss of vision is more likely than with type 2 diabetes.
Diagnostic Methods
In order to determine the presence of retinal dystrophy, the following methods are used in medical practice:
- Laboratory tests.
- Ultrasound examination, which allows you to determine the presence of pathological changes in the retina.
- Determining the level of color perception distortion, which is a signal of the beginning of the development of pathology.
- Visiometry, which determines visual acuity, which is the main criterion for the health of the retina.
- Perimetry - determines the field of view, is important for identifying peripheral retinal pathologies.
- Fundus examination (suitable for diabetic retinopathy).
- Examination of the eye with drops that dilate the pupil.
- Electrophysiological examination (optic nerve check).
It is important to understand that a timely response to symptoms increases the chance of recovery. Checking the level of vision and the condition of the eyeball cannot be considered an unnecessary procedure, but will serve as an excellent prevention of retinal dystrophy.
Changes in blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to the development of dystrophy in the second trimester of bearing a child. The failure of metabolic processes requires special attention to prevent the development of irreversible effects.
Retinal Dystrophy Treatment
The process of treating such an eye pathology is not at all simple, often does not bring a positive result and is aimed at slowing down the development of the disease, rather than restoring lost vision.
If the diagnosis was not made on time, changes in the area of the retina developed for a long time without proper treatment, then during the period of exacerbation a person can greatly lose the visual perception.
The treatment of retinal dystrophy is primarily aimed at:
- Improving the condition of the eye vessels.
- Improving metabolism in the tissues of the eye.
- Extension of remission.
- Inhibition of the development of the disease.
What kind of treatment to prescribe to the patient is decided only by the doctor, based on data on the features of the course of the disease and the causes of its appearance.
Drug therapy
This approach is usually used only in the early stages of the development of the disease, with advanced cases of dystrophy, medications are ineffective.
Therapy is carefully selected by the attending physician and includes drugs:
- vasodilating action;
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels;
- with antioxidant effects;
- luteal components;
- complexes of vitamins E and A;
- angioprotectors.
The use of drugs without the advice of a doctor is contraindicated, self-medication can not only not bring results, but even cause dangerous harm to health.
Depending on the diagnosed form of dystrophy, a drug treatment complex is selected. Not all drugs can be used for peripheral and central dystrophies, this can significantly aggravate the development of the disease and accelerate vision loss.
Before buying eye drops and other advertised drugs to improve vision, it is important to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. Only an ophthalmologist will make the correct diagnosis, determine the degree of danger to vision and select the necessary drugs if drug therapy is effective in a particular case.
Physiotherapeutic treatment
Physiotherapy also refers to methods that are effective in the early stages of dystrophy. Among them, the following procedures are stably distinguished:
- electrophoresis;
- phonophoresis;
- microwave treatment;
- ultrasound treatment;
- blood irradiation (laser intravenous).
Therapy is aimed at strengthening the eye muscles and retina.
Surgical intervention
Retinal surgery is a risky process, like any surgical intervention in the human body.
Surgery is used for moist central dystrophy to reduce the amount of accumulated fluid. Also, in cases where other treatment methods do not bring the desired result, the doctor decides whether surgery is necessary.
During surgery, muscle fibers are transplanted, which is called retinal revascularization.
Laser exposure
To prevent detachment of the retina, laser coagulation is used. The laser exposure is targeted, without touching or damaging healthy eye tissue.
The laser, like other methods of treatment, will not return lost vision, but will effectively stop the development of pathology, saving the patient from the risk of losing his vision.
Coagulation is considered the most effective method of influencing retinal dystrophy, which has several advantages:
- The eyeball does not open.
- Exclusion of infection.
- Bloodless intervention.
- Contactless exposure.
- Stress reduction.
As can be judged from the above, retinal dystrophy is curable only in the early stages of the disease. If the disease has led to a deterioration in the person’s vision, the main emphasis should be on the suspension of the disease. The right method will be selected by the attending physician.
Folk methods
In combination with traditional methods, traditional medicine recipes can be used, which are effective primarily in the early stages of retinal dystrophy.
Among the effective folk methods, the following are distinguished:
- The use of leeches, the saliva of which is saturated with useful enzymes. When it enters the bloodstream of a person, leech secretion positively affects the immune system, reduces cholesterol, improves microcirculation.
- Goat's milk mixed with water is recommended to be instilled into the eyes, and then temporarily wear a lightproof dressing. This prevents retinal detachment.
- Traditional medicine treats many diseases with decoctions. Retinal dystrophy is no exception. A decoction of rose hips, onions and needles is recommended to use up to half a liter per day for two weeks.
- A decoction of caraway seeds and cornflower, in contrast, are instilled into the eyes, which positively affects the state of the retina.
- Celandine is known for its medicinal properties in folk recipes. It is recommended to bury a special infusion of celandine into the eyes for a month.
The competent use of alternative methods will enhance the positive effect of traditional medicine. The main thing is to respond to symptoms on time and carefully follow the doctor’s instructions.
Retinal Dystrophy Prevention
To reduce the likelihood of developing retinal pathology, a person should be attentive to his diet and lifestyle. Good lighting and vitamin intake can play a key role in healthy eyesight.
It is important to remember that the treatment of any disease is simplified if it is detected at an early stage, therefore it is categorically important to regularly visit an ophthalmologist. If there are no obvious alarms, then an annual inspection is sufficient.
When symptoms appear, you should not postpone a visit to a doctor in order to prevent complications.
When using glasses, it is important to select high-quality models and not save on eye health. The UV filter protects the retina from adverse sun exposure, especially in the summer and during snow-white winters.
Ophthalmologists also recommend eye gymnastics, which strengthens the eye muscles and blood vessels, which prolongs healthy blood circulation in the eyeballs.
Prevention is effective in cases with an acquired form of dystrophy, but if the pathology is congenital, then it is impossible to avoid it. In this case, only the attending physician will be able to competently stop the loss of vision.
conclusions
The development of retinal dystrophy threatens a person with complete loss of vision. If you leave the disease without proper attention and therapy, then this threatens with irreversible consequences.
The rapid development of the disease significantly reduces the quality of life, and blindness leads to disability. Keeping eyesight will allow vigilant attention to one's own health and timely initiation of treatment.