Retinal dystrophy is the most common cause of visual impairment in the elderly. Retinal tissues are irreversibly destroyed, which gradually inhibits the function of the visual organs.
Various factors are mentioned in connection with the development of the disease. The most common cause is the accumulation of decay products in tissues. Doctors especially note the role of circulatory disorders, intoxication and infections.
Myopia is a prerequisite for retinal dystrophy. The increased transverse size of the visual organs exerts increased pressure on the ocular membrane.
Retinal dystrophy can be caused by diabetes mellitus, smoking, overweight, high blood pressure. Pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, thyroid pathologies, injuries also contribute to the development of the disease.
The first symptom of the disease is visual impairment: the clarity of visible objects in the vicinity decreases. A progressive form of the disease leads to distortion of the perceived image. The visual perception of the patient is characterized by a bifurcation of the subject, broken lines, blind spots. But it is not possible to completely go blind with retinal dystrophy.
Chorioretinal retinal dystrophy is also called age-related macular degeneration of the retina and is inherent in people over fifty. This disease contributes to the complete loss of central vision while maintaining peripheral normal.
A clear perception of objects is impossible without a central vision, so patients cannot read or drive, as well as perform work that requires clear coordination of vision.
The most severe is the wet form of the manifestation of the disease. She is difficult to treat. Macular cells are destroyed within a few years.
Peripheral dystrophy of the retina is accompanied by changes in the lateral parts of the fundus. The early stage of the disease can pass without visible signs. Diagnosis should be carried out on special ophthalmological equipment. At a later stage, the disease can cause detachment or rupture of the retina.
Retinal pigment dystrophy is considered a rare abnormality due to heredity. The disruption of the photoreceptors causes the development of the disease.
A mild form of the disease slightly reduces vision in poor lighting. Severe contributes to blindness.
Laser diagnostics are used to diagnose retinal dystrophy. For this purpose, an optical tomograph is used. In addition, they diagnose the disease using central computer perimetry, fluorescence antography.
The treatment of retinal dystrophy (in the case of a chorioretinal species) is carried out by methods of photodynamic therapy, laser photocoagulation, and injection of medications. These drugs are a special protein that can inhibit destructive processes in the macula of the eye.
If the patient has retinitis pigmentosa, treatment is carried out using physiotherapeutic methods. For this, magnetic and electrical stimulation of eye tissues is used. But these treatments are not very effective. To improve blood supply to the retina, vasorestructive surgery is performed.
Laser coagulation is also used as a preventive measure for peripheral dystrophy. This method eliminates invasive treatment methods and is performed on an outpatient basis. The advantage of laser coagulation is that the rehabilitation period is reduced to a minimum, and often completely absent.
In addition, vitamin and dietary therapies are used as additional methods of treatment and prevention.