by Dr. Jozef Kriek III
Ophthalmologist | Specialist Eye Surgeon
The human eye is a remarkable organ, often likened to a camera in its ability to capture light and create images our brain can interpret. However, unlike a camera’s film or digital sensor, the eye relies on a specialized layer called the retina. Understanding the retina is crucial, as it plays a pivotal role in vision and is central to many eye diseases and how you perceive the beautiful world around you.
The Eye as a Sophisticated Camera
- Cornea and Lens: These structures function like the lens of a camera, focusing light precisely onto the retina. The cornea, the eye’s outermost layer, works with the lens, which is positioned behind the pupil, to ensure proper focus.
- Retina: The retina is akin to the film in an old camera or the sensor in a digital one. It lines the back of the eye and is responsible for converting light into electrical signals that the brain can process.
- Optic Nerve: This acts like the cable that transfers images from the camera to a computer. It sends the visual information from the retina to the brain, where it is interpreted as sight.
Retinal Diseases: What You Should Know
Several eye conditions can affect the retina, leading to vision problems or even blindness if not treated. Here’s an overview of some common retinal diseases, their symptoms, and when you should see an eye specialist.
- Macular Degeneration
- What It Is: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition where the central part of the retina, known as the macula, deteriorates. The macula functions like the center bull’s-eye of a dartboard, responsible for sharp central vision. It enables you to thread a needle or spot a tiny bird perched on a distant branch.
- Symptoms: Blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and dark spots in the center of your vision.
- Screening: Anyone over the age of 60 should have regular eye exams to detect early signs of macular degeneration.
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- What It Is: This condition occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems.
- Symptoms: Floaters, blurred vision, dark or empty areas in vision, difficulty seeing at night.
- Screening: People with diabetes or pre-diabetes should have annual retinal screenings to catch this condition early.
- Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD):
- What It Is: A common condition where the vitreous gel, which fills the eye, detaches from the retina. It happens to everyone as they age.
- Symptoms: Seeing flashes of light, floaters, or a sudden increase in floaters. While PVD itself is generally harmless, it can sometimes lead to retinal tears or detachment.
- Screening: If you experience flashes or floaters, especially if they suddenly increase or are accompanied by other vision changes, it’s important to see an eye specialist for evaluation.
- Retinal Detachment
- What It Is: Retinal detachment is a critical condition where the retina separates from the back of the eye, disrupting its blood supply.
- Symptoms: Sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, a shadow or curtain over part of the visual field.
- Treatment: Retinal detachment requires urgent medical attention and usually involves surgery to reattach the retina.
Cataracts: A Common Vision Issue
Cataracts, while not a retinal condition, are another common cause of vision problems, especially as we age.
- Cataracts
- What It Is: Cataracts are a clouding of the lens, leading to blurred vision.
- Symptoms: Blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night.
- Treatment: Cataract surgery is a common and effective treatment that involves replacing the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. Modern refractive cataract surgery, offered at Cure Hospital, goes beyond traditional cataract surgery. In addition to removing the cloudy lens, this advanced procedure can potentially eliminate or reduce the need for glasses after surgery.
Refractive Cataract Surgery Explained: During refractive cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a specialized intraocular lens (IOL) tailored to correct vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. In some cases, these premium IOLs can also provide clear vision at multiple distances (multifocal IOLs) or correct for astigmatism (toric IOLs), significantly reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses after the surgery.
When to See an Ophthalmologist
If you notice any of the symptoms discussed, it’s crucial to consult an eye specialist, known as an ophthalmologist. Regular eye screenings are essential, especially for those with risk factors like age, diabetes, or a family history of eye diseases.
Cure has a network of associated specialist ophthalmologists that provide comprehensive eye care, from routine screenings to advanced retinal surgery. If you have any concerns about your vision or eye health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.
Your vision is invaluable—protect it. Eye specialists are here to help you maintain your vision for life, and in the event that you should need surgical intervention, be assured that your surgical care will take place in one of Cure’s world class surgical facilities.
Retina Month:
This article was written by Dr. Jozef Kriek III, MBChB(Stell), DipOphth, FCOphth(SA), MMedOphth(UCT), Surgical & Medical Retina Fellowship(McGill, Canada). He is a board certified ophthalmologist who also completed a two-year postgraduate advanced fellowship in surgical and medical retina at the world renowned McGill University in Canada. Dr. Kriek recently returned to South Africa and is practicing at Somerset Eye Centre, a leading centre of excellence in eye care. Alongside his esteemed colleagues, he performs surgeries at Cure in Somerset West, continuing their commitment to exceptional ophthalmic care.
