Retinal Diseases: Symptoms and Treatment

The retina is the inner layer of the eye containing photoreceptors (cones and rods) that convert light into nerve signals interpreted by the brain as images. Retinal diseases are one of the leading causes of reduced visual acuity and blindness, particularly in older adults and people with diabetes.

AMD is a disease affecting the macula (the central zone of the retina), which is responsible for sharp central vision. It most commonly occurs in people over 50. AMD presents in dry and wet forms.

• Distortion of straight lines (metamorphopsia)
• A dark spot or 'blind zone' in the center of the visual field
• Blurry central vision with preserved peripheral vision
• Difficulty reading and recognizing faces

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes mellitus caused by damage to the retinal blood vessels from elevated blood glucose. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in working-age adults.

• No symptoms in early stages (which is why regular ophthalmological check-ups are mandatory for people with diabetes)
• Blurred vision, floaters in the visual field
• Flashes or 'lightning bolts' in the visual field
• Sudden sharp vision loss due to vitreous hemorrhage

Retinal detachment is a medical emergency in which the retina separates from the underlying choroid layer. Without prompt surgical treatment it leads to irreversible blindness. Symptoms include:

• Sudden appearance of a 'curtain' or shadow in the visual field
• Flashes and 'lightning bolts' (photopsia)
• A sudden increase in floaters or 'cobwebs' in vision
• Distortion of images

To examine the retina, an ophthalmologist uses:

• Ophthalmoscopy (direct and indirect) — fundus examination
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) — detailed layer-by-layer retinal imaging
• Ocular ultrasound (B-scan)

Treatment methods depend on the specific condition and stage:

• Anti-VEGF injections (for wet AMD and diabetic retinopathy)
• Laser photocoagulation of the retina
• Surgical treatment (vitrectomy) for retinal detachment and other complications

Ophthalmologist Iryna Hetman diagnoses and treats retinal diseases at Kyiv City Clinical Hospital #4. If you have diabetes, any deterioration of vision, or a sudden increase in floaters — book an appointment immediately.

Article Author

Iryna Hetman

Ophthalmologist, Cataract Surgeon · Kyiv Hospital #4

• 200+ successful surgeries
• Member of ESCRS and USCRS