Directory of Conditions
What is Red Reflex Assessment – Early Eye Health Screening for Children
About Red reflex Assessment
The red reflex test is vital, non-invasive test that can identify early warning signs of serious eye conditions in children, such as cataract (white water), glaucoma (blue water) and retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer) and high refractive errors. Infants or children in whom parents or other observers describe a history suspicious for the presence of leukocoria (a white pupil reflex) in one or both eyes should be examined because small retinoblastoma tumors or other serious lesions may present in a subtle fashion.
What is Refractive Lens Exchange (Lens Replacement Surgery)
ِAbout Refractive Lens Exchange
Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), also known as lens replacement surgery, is a vision-correction procedure in which the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is especially effective for individuals with severe refractive errors or age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, and may be recommended when laser eye surgery is not suitable.
By replacing the natural lens, the procedure can improve both near and distance vision, often reducing or removing the need for glasses or contact lenses, and it prevents the need for future cataract surgery since the artificial lens cannot develop cataracts.
What is Retinal Detachment Surgery
About Retinal Detachment Surgery
Retinal detachment is a condition in which the thin lining at the back of the eye (the retina) begins to come away and separate itself from the underlying wall of the eye, which contains blood vessels that supply it with vital oxygen and nutrients.
If not treated promptly, retinal detachment will lead to blindness in the affected eye.
A retinal detachment is usually caused by a tear in the retina, and this is termed a Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Other types include traction retinal detachment, usually seen in advanced diabetic retinopathy, and Exudative retinal detachment (usually seen in people with inflammation). Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment needs urgent surgery in most cases.
What is Retinal Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
About Retinal Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a combination of a “cold” laser and a special light-sensitive dye (Verteporfin). This is injected into the bloodstream to target abnormally leaking blood vessels in the retina (nerve tissue lining at the back of the eye which detects light and allows us to see) or the layer below the retina (choroid). PDT is used to treat some specific forms of wet macular degeneration and a disease called ‘Central Serous Retinopathy’ (CSR).
What is Retinal Vein Occlusion
About Retinal Vein Occlusion
Blocking of the retinal vein, which reduces vision, is known as Retinal Vein Occlusion. This results in the accumulation of blood (retinal haemorrhages) and fluid (macular oedema) in the retina and leads to a drop in visual acuity (clarity of vision).
What is Retinitis Pigmentosa
About
It is the most common form of inherited retinal dystrophies and can be inherited as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked trait. It is caused by genetic variants in genes coding for proteins which are important for the structure and/or function of the rod photoreceptors (which are responsible for night vision) causing night blindness, with eventual constriction of the visual field as the cone photoreceptors become affected. Some forms of retinitis pigmentosa can be associated with hearing loss, kidney disease, or learning difficulties. Early identification of these conditions allows for appropriate investigation.
What is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
About Retinopathy of Prematurity in Children
Retinopathy of Prematurity (also called ROP) is an eye disease that affects many premature babies. ROP happens when a baby’s retina doesn’t fully develop in the weeks after birth. As a consequence of premature birth, abnormal blood vessels are formed, which are fragile and can leak, scarring the retina and pulling it out of position. This causes a retinal detachment, which is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in ROP. Some cases of ROP are mild and correct themselves, however, others require surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness. Surgery involves using a laser or other means to stop the growth of the abnormal blood vessels, making sure they don’t pull on the retina. As ROP has no signs or symptoms, the only way to detect it is through an eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
