Swollen eyeball: Causes, symptoms, and treatments
What Is Retinal Vein Occlusion?
So a retinal vein occlusion is when there is an occlusion in the blood vessels of the retina that are particularly the veins, and it causes a lack of blood flow, or a lack of perfusion, through those vessels. The way that I explain it to my patients is that if we were to look in the back of the eye, there is a structure called the retina. That's sort of like the wallpaper of the eye, and it helps us transmit a signal from the front of the eye to the optic nerve and to the brain.And in order to keep that retina healthy and perfused, there's blood vessels. There's arteries, and there's veins. And so your body can generate a thrombosis or an occlusion-- so that's a little plaque or some other reason why the blood flow through those retinal veins gets stopped. When that happens, you have a lack of perfusion and a retinal vein occlusion. So there are two ways of thinking about retinal vein occlusion, and they fall into two separate buckets.
So the first type is to base a retinal vein occlusion based on the parts of the retina that it's involving. So you can have something called a central retinal vein occlusion, and that's where you get that occlusion or thrombosis at the level of the optic nerve. And that prevents blood flow through the retinal veins all throughout the retina. So we call it a central vein occlusion because it impacts the entire retina. Or you can have something called a branch retinal vein occlusion.
And what that means is that you've only impacted a certain segment of those retinal veins. So it can either be half of the retina or a small section thereof. So the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion can vary. So the first thing is, the patient might tell me that they have a certain hemisphere of their vision that's involved or a small little scotoma, or a blank spot or a black spot. That points more to a branch retinal vein occlusion, meaning not all of their veins are involved.
On the other hand, if a person has a central retinal vein occlusion, they're generally going to come in saying that their entire visual field is disturbed, so things look blurry or black or gray, and they're not able to see as well as they would, usually, compared to a person with a branch retinal vein occlusion. So there's a lot of things that can cause a retinal vein occlusion. And so when you have a patient who comes in with what looks like a vein occlusion, we start to go through a checklist of questions for them.
For common things, you ask them about diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. You ask them about things like a history of glaucoma, which can predispose you to developing a vein occlusion. And you also ask them about things like, 'Does anyone ever tell you that you snore at night or that you have sleep apnea?' All of those things have been linked to developing a vein occlusion.
","publisher":"WebMD Video"} ]]>
Hide Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]SRUTHI AREPALLI
So a retinal vein occlusion is when there is an occlusion in the blood vessels of the retina that are particularly the veins, and it causes a lack of blood flow, or a lack of perfusion, through those vessels. The way that I explain it to my patients is that if we were to look in the back of the eye, there is a structure called the retina. That's sort of like the wallpaper of the eye, and it helps us transmit a signal from the front of the eye to the optic nerve and to the brain.And in order to keep that retina healthy and perfused, there's blood vessels. There's arteries, and there's veins. And so your body can generate a thrombosis or an occlusion-- so that's a little plaque or some other reason why the blood flow through those retinal veins gets stopped. When that happens, you have a lack of perfusion and a retinal vein occlusion. So there are two ways of thinking about retinal vein occlusion, and they fall into two separate buckets.
So the first type is to base a retinal vein occlusion based on the parts of the retina that it's involving. So you can have something called a central retinal vein occlusion, and that's where you get that occlusion or thrombosis at the level of the optic nerve. And that prevents blood flow through the retinal veins all throughout the retina. So we call it a central vein occlusion because it impacts the entire retina. Or you can have something called a branch retinal vein occlusion.
And what that means is that you've only impacted a certain segment of those retinal veins. So it can either be half of the retina or a small section thereof. So the symptoms of retinal vein occlusion can vary. So the first thing is, the patient might tell me that they have a certain hemisphere of their vision that's involved or a small little scotoma, or a blank spot or a black spot. That points more to a branch retinal vein occlusion, meaning not all of their veins are involved.
On the other hand, if a person has a central retinal vein occlusion, they're generally going to come in saying that their entire visual field is disturbed, so things look blurry or black or gray, and they're not able to see as well as they would, usually, compared to a person with a branch retinal vein occlusion. So there's a lot of things that can cause a retinal vein occlusion. And so when you have a patient who comes in with what looks like a vein occlusion, we start to go through a checklist of questions for them.
For common things, you ask them about diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol. You ask them about things like a history of glaucoma, which can predispose you to developing a vein occlusion. And you also ask them about things like, "Does anyone ever tell you that you snore at night or that you have sleep apnea?" All of those things have been linked to developing a vein occlusion.
AAP Leader Raghav Chadha To Undergo Eye Surgery To Prevent Retinal Detachment; Know More About The Condition
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha's upcoming vitrectomy surgery in the United Kingdom to prevent retinal detachment has brought attention to this serious eye condition. As per party sources, retinal detachment, characterized by small holes in the retina, poses significant risks to vision and warrants immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage.
Understanding Retinal DetachmentAs per Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, President and Managing Director of Center for Sight, New Delhi, retinal detachment is a serious eye condition wherein the retina, the tissue layer at the back of the eye responsible for vision, detaches from its supporting tissues. This detachment disrupts the blood supply to the retina, leading to compromised vision and potentially irreversible blindness. The retina plays a crucial role in sensing light and transmitting signals to the brain for visual perception.
Symptoms of Retinal DetachmentWhile some individuals may not exhibit any symptoms, others may experience sudden onset symptoms, including:
Prompt medical attention is essential upon experiencing these symptoms to prevent further vision deterioration.
Retinal detachment can arise due to various factors, including:
Individuals at high risk for retinal detachment should maintain regular eye exams and adhere to preventive measures recommended by healthcare providers.
Also Read: Sadhguru Undergoes Surgery For Chronic Brain Bleed; Everything To Know About It
Treatment Options for Retinal DetachmentThe choice of treatment for retinal detachment depends on the severity and specific circumstances of the condition. Treatment modalities include:
Laser Therapy or CryopexyThese procedures are employed to seal retinal tears before detachment occurs, creating scars that secure the retina in place.
Pneumatic (Gas Bubble) RetinopexyA gas bubble is injected into the eye to exert pressure on the retina, facilitating its reattachment. Laser or cryopexy may be performed to seal retinal tears in conjunction with this procedure.
Scleral BuckleThis surgical technique involves placing a silicone band around the eye to support and reposition the detached retina. Laser or cryopexy may also be utilized during this procedure.
VitrectomyIn this surgical intervention, the vitreous gel within the eye is surgically removed, and the retina is reattached using laser therapy or cryopexy. A gas, air, or oil bubble may be inserted into the eye to facilitate retina reattachment.
Also Read: News Host Keltie Knight Undergoes Hysterectomy Post Microcytic Anemia Diagnosis; Everything To Know About It
Postoperative Care and ConsiderationsFollowing retinal detachment surgery, patients are typically advised to maintain specific postoperative protocols to optimize healing and recovery. These may include maintaining a particular head position, avoiding certain activities, and adhering to altitude restrictions if a gas bubble has been inserted into the eye.
Ayurvedic Recommendations By ExpertAccording to Dr Mandeep Singh Basu, Director- Dr. Basu Eye Hospital, "Proactive eye care from childhood is crucial in preventing myopia progression and reducing the risk of complications such as retinal detachment. By addressing myopia early on and implementing preventive measures, we can safeguard cases of high myopia from happening and promote lifelong ocular health. He also said that prevention is always better than cure when it comes to eye health."
Indeed, myopia can progressively worsen under specific conditions, posing significant risks to eye health. In today's modern era, where we are constantly surrounded by various gadgets, maintaining optimal eye health can be challenging. Regular check-ups by ophthalmologists are strongly advised to monitor any changes in vision.Alternatively, Ayurveda offers accessible and home-based remedies to alleviate myopia symptoms:
Yashti Madhu: Mixing a teaspoon of Yashti Madhu with ghee and honey can provide relief for myopic conditions.
Saptamrita Lauha: This remedy contains medicinal ingredients such as triphala, yashtimadhu, lauha bhasma, ghee, and honey, which support nervous system function, thereby easing myopic issues. Consuming it with milk enhances its effectiveness.
Dietary adjustments: Myopia can be exacerbated by vitamin deficiencies in the body.Therefore, incorporating vitamin-rich foods into the diet can boost immunity and alleviate strain on the eyes caused by myopia. Foods such as carrots, leafy greens, citrus fruits, nuts, berries, and fish, which are abundant in vitamins, are particularly beneficial for eye health.
Bottomline: Prioritizing Eye HealthRaghav Chadha's decision to undergo vitrectomy surgery underscores the importance of prioritizing eye health and seeking timely treatment for retinal detachment. By raising awareness about this sight-threatening condition and its treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their vision and ensure optimal eye health in the long term.
DisclaimerAll possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Here's What To Look For During An Eclipse-Related Eye Visit
If the past is any indication, emergency departments and doctor's offices are likely to see an influx of patients complaining of sensitive eyes, blurry vision, and blind spots in the hours and days after next month's North American solar eclipse.
Ophthalmologists say it's crucial to perform thorough ocular examinations -- even if sun-exposure damage seems obvious -- and look deeply into the eye with specialized equipment.
"Vigilant patients are coming in, and you always want to make sure it's not anything else," Avnish Deobhakta, MD, of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City, told MedPage Today.
Sun-related injuries, of course, are the first thing to look for in the wake of the April 8 eclipse, which will be visible over much of the U.S. And Canada. A small strip of the U.S., from near San Antonio to Buffalo, will see a full eclipse.
People have long known about the risks of sungazing. In a lecture about looking at things indirectly, ancient Greek philosopher Socrates noted that "people may injure their bodily eye by observing and gazing on the sun during an eclipse." Socrates declared that viewing an eclipse through a reflection on water is a safer alternative, a strategy that still has some support.
The Retina Is Especially Vulnerable to Sun Exposure
Modern technology has given us better ways to protect our eyes via specially designed eclipse glasses known as solar filters. We've also gained understanding of the optical damage that exposure to the sun can cause.
"Watching the eclipse without proper eye protection, even for a short amount of time, can permanently damage the retina, a very important light-detecting part of the eye," Christina Y. Weng, MD, MBA, of Cullen Eye Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, told MedPage Today. "This damage is referred to as solar retinopathy and often affects the macula -- a critical part of the retina responsible for central vision. On a cellular level, the potent rays from the sun create a photochemical burn in the retinal tissue that can lead to a 'scotoma' where a piece of the vision is missing."
The damage can be similar to the injuries that people suffer from eye exposure to laser pointers, Deobhakta said. In those cases, though, there are pinpoint burns, not the crescents that can be seen from eclipse burns, he explained.
It's also possible for patients to suffer mild corneal abrasions from eclipses, he added. "Things like that are rare but certainly treatable." A 2023 report provided more detail and noted that "radiation burns result in ultraviolet keratitis from tanning beds, high-altitude environments, welding arcs, and the occasional solar eclipse."
As for the examination, Weng recommended examining any possible cases of solar retinopathy via optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and dilated fundus examination, which allows viewing of the back of the eye.
According to Deobhakta, OCT imaging machines are found in some general ophthalmologist offices and every retinal specialist's office. "It's a way to look at the retina in cross section and see whether the center part of the retina, which is called the fovea, is disrupted or not. If that's the case, patients tend to have that kind of damage forever."
Eye Damage Can Be Long-Lasting or Even Permanent
Indeed, multiple reports in the medical literature about eclipse-related eye injuries suggest that visual damage can persist in certain patients.
Deobhakta and colleagues wrote a case report about a young woman who viewed the 2017 eclipse and suffered solar retinopathy in both eyes. Deobhakta described damage from an eclipse-related burn to the retina this way: "If you're reading a sentence like 'the cat jumped over the moon,' the word 'over' might be blacked out with a crescent. It's like a floating blank, but you can read the rest of the sentence and the page."
The woman had lasting eye damage. Other reports in the medical literature tell similar stories:
As for treatment, there's none for solar retinopathy, although "entities such as steroids have been tried without consistent evidence of effectiveness," according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Corneal injuries can be treated with supportive care via lubrication, Deobhakta said. "I always say don't wear contact lenses for a week. Make sure that the patient follows up so we can make sure there's no sign of infection and scan for other things that would be relevant. You don't want to miss them."
Why Do Only Some Eclipse Viewers Get Eye Damage?
Of course, countless people look at eclipses and don't suffer apparent eye damage. Most famously, former President Donald Trump was photographed looking at the 2017 eclipse from a White House balcony without eye protection and apparently didn't suffer any ill effects.
Some groups, however, appear to be more susceptible to these injuries, Weng said. Vulnerable groups include children and younger adults with a clear lens, those taking photosensitizing drugs such as tetracycline, and people with mental impairment/psychiatric disease or under the influence of illicit drugs.
"In many cases, people just live with the damage, and they don't come to see an eye doctor," Deobhakta said. "People just say, 'Well, I can live with it because I have both of my eyes.'" This may sound surprising, but he noted that "in our country, people will live and walk around with dense cataracts where they're barely able to see upon evaluation, but they've never come into an eye doctor until they're in their 80s."
Some people may have genetic vulnerability to sun-related eye injuries, he added, although it's not yet clear who they are.
Astronomer Andrew T. Young, PhD, of San Diego State University, who has extensively studied eye damage during eclipses, told MedPage Today that timing also matters. "The danger is during the partial-eclipse phases just before and just after totality, or partial phases near mid-eclipse for an observer who is near -- but just outside of -- the path of totality," he said. "The low general light level when more than half of the sun is hidden by the moon allows the pupil to expand," allowing in more light -- and rays from the sun.
On the prevention front, JAMA has a new patient page offering guidance on safe viewing of eclipses, and the American Astronomical Society offers tips about solar filters and the ISO 12312-2 standard for the protective eyewear.
Randy Dotinga is a freelance medical and science journalist based in San Diego.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments
Comments
Post a Comment