Retinitis >>

• What is Retinitis?
• Types of Retinitis
• Symptoms of Retinitis
• Treatment of Retinitis

What is Retinitis?

#Retinitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the light-sensitive layer of the eye, the retina. The severity and impact on vision depend on the type and underlying cause of retinitis.

Types of Retinitis

• • Diabetic Retinopathy:
    Caused by diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels, leading to blood and fluid leakage into the retina.

  • Bacterial Retinitis:
    Results from bacterial infections, which can be severe and may lead to vision loss if untreated.

  • Viral Retinitis:
    Caused by viral infections, such as certain herpes viruses, and can have serious consequences.

  • Fungal Retinitis:
    Triggered by fungal infections, including Candida, and typically occurs in immunocompromised individuals.

  The ophthalmology team, led by Dr. Mohammed and Dr. Hassan, emphasizes the importance of early intervention. Treatment is determined by the underlying cause, and a comprehensive evaluation by a specialist is essential for an effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of Retinitis

The retina contains light-sensitive cells essential for vision. Retinitis involves inflammation of this layer and can arise from various causes, including infections.

Common symptoms include:

• Vision loss: A gradual decrease in vision in specific areas of the visual field.
• Eye pain: Inflammation may be accompanied by pain or pressure inside the eye.
• Night vision impairment: Patients may experience difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult an ophthalmologist promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment, especially if retinal inflammation is suspected.

Treatment of Retinitis

Treatment primarily depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Medications:

  • Antiviral therapy: For viral retinitis, antiviral medications such as Valganciclovir may be prescribed.
  • Antibacterial therapy: In bacterial retinitis, antibiotics are necessary.

• Surgical intervention:

  • In some cases, surgery may be required to manage complications, such as vitrectomy or retinal repair.

• Laser therapy:

  • Used in some cases, particularly in diabetic retinopathy-related retinitis.

• Steroid treatment:

  • Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in select cases.

Early intervention is crucial for preserving vision. Patients should seek immediate ophthalmologic care upon noticing symptoms.

The Roya Hakim Team emphasizes that treatment plans should be based on an accurate diagnosis and the specific cause of retinitis. Regular follow-ups and tailored adjustments to treatment play a key role in optimizing visual outcomes and overall eye health.