Causes and Symptoms of
Common Retinal Diseases
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO)
Usually occurring in older adults, this condition happens when the central retina vein becomes blocked, causing blood and fluid to back up into the retina. This can cause swelling and possible vision loss. CRVO can happen suddenly.
Symptoms
- Sudden, painless vision loss or blurry vision in one eye.
- Visual distortions, such as things looking crooked or blurry.
- Swelling in the retina, visible during an eye exam.
- Optic disc swelling or increased pressure in the eye.
Causes
- Atherosclerosis
- Hight Blood Pressure
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Blood Clotting Disorders
- Age
Treatment
- Anti-VEGF Injections
- Steroid Injections or Implants
- Laser Treatment
- Management of Underlying Conditions
- Surgical Options
Retinal Detachment
This happens when the retina (the layer of the tissue at the back of the eye) pulls away from it’s normal position. This can cause vision loss and requires immediate treatment.
Symptoms
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye, often described as a dark curtain moving across the field of vision.
- Flashes of light or floaters.
- Blurred vision in one eye.
Causes
- Aging
- Tears or holes in the retina.
- Injury
- Diabetes
- Severe Nearsightedness
- Previous Eye Sugery
- Family History
- Other Eye Conditions
Treatment
Surgery Options Include
- Laser Surgery
- Cryopexy (Freezing Treatment)
- Scleral Buckling
- Vitrectomy
- Pneumatic Retinopexy
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion (CRAO)
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion is a serious eye condition that occurs when the central retinal artery becomes blocked and restricts blood flow to the retina. This leads to sudden and often severe vision loss in the affected eye.
Symptoms
- Sudden, complete, painless loss of vision in one eye. It can be partial or complete.
- Possible visual distortions; blurred or decreased vision before it is completely lost.
Causes
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart Disease
- Carotid Artery Disease
- Blood Clotting Disorders
Treatment
There is no proven, universally effective treatment, but there are strategies that can restore blood flow or minimize damage.
- Ocular Massage
- Medication
- Antiplatelet Therapy
- Surgical Options
- Management of Underlying Conditions
Diabetic Macular Edema
This is a condition that causes fluid to build up in the centre of the retina (the macula). This is a common result of diabetic eye disease.
Symptoms
- Blurred or Wavy Central Vision
- Faded Colours
- Difficulty Reading
- Double Vision
Causes
- High Blood Sugar
- Damage to Retinal Blood Vessels
- Abnormal Blood Vessel Growth
- Poor Control of Diabetes
- Duration of Diabetes
- Inflammation
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and protect vision. Common treatments include:
- Anti-VEGf injections
- Steroid Injections or Implants
- Laser Treatment
- Surgery
- Managing Diabetes
Retinal Tear
This happens when a small break or hole occurs in the retina – the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If left untreated, a retinal tear can lead to retinal detachment, which may result in permanent vision loss.
Symptoms
- Flashes of Light
- Floaters
- Blurred Vision
- Loss of Peripheral Vision
Causes
- Aging
- Trauma or Injury
- Severe Nearsightedness
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Family History
- Previous Eye Surgery
Treatment
- Laser Photocoagulation
- Cryotherapy (Freezing Treatment)
- Vitrectomy
Macular Hole
This happens when a small hole or full thickness defect forms in the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
Symptoms
- Blurred or Wavy Vision
- A Dark Spot in the Central Vision
- Difficulty Reading or Seeing Fine Details
- Faded Looking Colours
Causes
- Aging
- Eye Trauma
- Eye Disorders like High Myopia, Chronic Macular Inflammation, and Conditions like Diabetic Retinopathy
Treatment
- Surgery
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)
This is a condition where fluid builds up under the retina, causing a blister-like swelling that leads to blurred or distorted vision. The fluid leaks from the choroid, a layer of blood vessels beneath the retina.
Symptoms
- Blurring or Dim Central Vision
- Distorted Vision
- Objects Appearing Smaller or Furhter Away Than They Should Be
- A Dark or Blind Spot in the Centre of Vision
- Faded Looking Colours
Causes
Causes Unknown, But Linked to:
- High Stress
- Cordicosteroid Use
- Pregnancy
- Sleep Apnea
Treatment
- Most Cases Resolve Spontaniously
- Laser Surgery
Macular Pucker (Epiretinal Membrane)
This is the wrinkling of the retina’s macula, caused by a think layer of scar tissue that forms on the eye’s surface. As the scar tissue shrinks, it pulls and contracts, causing the macular to wrinkle or budge.
Symptoms
- Blurred or Wavy Vision
- Distorted Central Vision
- Difficulty Reading or Seeing Fine Detail
- In Some Cases, a Blind Spot in Central Vision
Causes
- Posterior Vitreos Detatchment
- Aging
Treatment
- For Mild Cases, Monitoring or Corrective Lenses
- For Severe, Cases, Vitrectomy or Membrane Peeling