What diseases lead to retinal dystrophy?

The retina is an internal light-sensitive layer on the periphery of the visual apparatus, through which the visible image is transmitted along nerve fibers to the corresponding part of the brain. With retinal dystrophy, the supply of tissues deteriorates, they begin to deteriorate, become thinner, and transmit images worse.

Causes of retinal dystrophy

Besides the fact that this pathology can be acquired at birth, there are no other exact reasons for its appearance. But doctors know the risk factors for the development of retinal dystrophy:

• over 60 years of age;
• chronic diseases, for example, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis of blood vessels, hypertension, renal failure, etc.;
• eye diseases (myopia, cataracts, uveitis, etc.).

There have been cases of pathology developing due to eye trauma, obesity, damage by UV rays, vitamin deficiency, corneal dystrophy, complications from infections and inflammation, etc. But mainly the elderly and those suffering from myopia are at risk.

Symptoms of retinal dystrophy

At the very beginning, the disease does not manifest itself in any way. It can only be detected by ophthalmoscopy. Therefore, if you have risk factors, you should visit your doctor regularly. Symptoms of retinal dystrophy begin to appear as it progresses and depend on the type. But there are also common signs:

• a noticeable deterioration in visual acuity, especially at dusk or in a dark place;
• dark spots floating before the eyes;
• distortion of straight lines, unclear, blurry contours of objects.

A more detailed description is given for each form of pathology.

Peripheral dystrophy

This type of pathology carries a hidden threat. The problem is that in the early stages, peripheral dystrophy is practically invisible and does not cause any inconvenience to a person. However, damage to the retina of the eye due to any provoking factor - trauma, stress, high physical activity, including visual stress - can turn into tears, threatening detachment and loss of vision.

• Peripheral dystrophy is characterized by the development of “tunnel” vision, when a person does not see what is happening to the side of him and is forced to turn his head to do this.
• Less dangerous is PCRD - peripheral chorioretinal retinal dystrophy. It concerns the tissues of the retina and middle eye membrane with blood vessels.
• More severe consequences can be caused by PVHRD - peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophy of the retina, since it affects other structures of the eye and most often causes a complication in the form of retinal detachment.

PVHRD in ophthalmology is noted not only in patients with myopia or farsightedness, but also in people with normal vision. Quite often this pathology develops in pregnant women. The problem is that the disease is practically asymptomatic, although timely treatment can stop the process, partially restore the integrity of the retina and improve the patient’s quality of vision.

Central dystrophy

This type of pathology affects the central parts of the retina, so vision problems appear almost immediately. Age-related macular degeneration of the retina (AMD) is the most common disease. It affects the macula - the macula, where the main focus of the image occurs and its transmission to the brain. Accordingly, when it is damaged, the following vision problems arise:

• blurred, unclear contours, curved lines;
• loss of color vision, appearance of floating spots before the eyes;
• lateral vision retains its clarity.

With further progression, AMD affects both eyes. It is impossible to stop the aging of the body, but with treatment at an early stage of the disease, the number of positive results is much higher.

Retina diagnostics

The patient is examined in stages, using modern equipment and with a dilated pupil, to determine the condition of all peripheral areas of the retina.

• Determination of visual acuity using an autorefractometer.
• Study of the peripheral areas of the retina (perimetry).
• Carrying out OCT, which can show the state of various layers of eye structures.
• Ultrasound examination, measurement of intraocular pressure.
• Ophthalmoscopy for a full examination of the fundus.

First of all, such a diagnosis is mandatory for people with myopia who are at increased risk of developing retinal dystrophy. A comprehensive study allows you to detect the disease at a very early stage, but for this you need to consult a doctor in time.

Today, the study of the causes of retinal dystrophy and its treatment is aimed at solving the main task - to stop the progression of the pathology or at least slow down the process of its development.

There is no prevention against congenital pathology, but you can protect yourself from acquiring retinal dystrophy if you follow simple recommendations.

• Monitor your health, visit a doctor in a timely manner, and prevent exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Follow safety precautions when carrying out work that is dangerous to the eyes.
• Wear glasses: sunglasses against UV radiation, corrective ones if vision problems are identified, computer glasses if you have to sit in front of a monitor for hours.

And be sure to undergo a preventive examination with an ophthalmologist once a year, which will help you notice changes in the structure of the eyes in time.