Retinahoidot

Retinahoidot, or retinopathies, are diseases that affect the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. They can result from systemic conditions, local retinal disorders, or external factors, and they often involve vascular or neural components of the retina. Many retinopathies develop without early symptoms, with vision loss becoming apparent only as the disease progresses.

Common forms and causes include diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal vein occlusion–related retinopathy, radiation retinopathy, and drug- or inflammation-related retinopathies. Diabetic retinopathy arises from chronic hyperglycemia causing microvascular damage, leading to microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, and, in later stages, neovascularization and macular edema. Hypertensive retinopathy results from long-standing high blood pressure and can produce arteriolar narrowing, flame-shaped hemorrhages, and cotton-wool spots. Retinopathy of prematurity occurs in premature infants and involves abnormal retinal vessel growth that can threaten the central retina. Retinal vein occlusion causes sudden vision loss due to blocked venous drainage and subsequent edema or hemorrhage.

Diagnosis relies on a dilated eye examination, often supplemented by imaging such as fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and disease stage. It may include control of systemic conditions (blood glucose and blood pressure), intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents or corticosteroids for macular edema, laser therapy to seal leaking or abnormal vessels, and, in some cases, vitrectomy surgery.

Prevention hinges on regular eye screenings for at-risk individuals, good management of diabetes and hypertension, smoking avoidance, and timely treatment to preserve vision. Prognosis varies widely with etiology and treatment accessibility.