Peripheral retinal degenerations treatment. Diagnosis and treatment of retinal PVRD - to prevent dangerous complications. Treatment methods of different types

Peripheral retinal dystrophy (PD) is a pathological condition in which gradual destruction of eyeball tissue.

The disease is accompanied by decreased vision up to its complete loss. Over a long period of time, the pathological process can develop in an asymptomatic form.

With a standard ophthalmological examination, the initial stages of retinal dystrophy are not always possible to identify. The disease can provoke irreversible processes. Therefore, treatment must be started as early as possible.

Peripheral eye dystrophy in humans: what is it, causes and symptoms

Numerous internal and external factors can provoke the disease. PD eye occurs regardless of gender or age patients.

Some of its forms are classified as congenital pathological processes.

In most cases, peripheral dystrophy develops against the background of progression of existing diseases organs of vision (for example, with myopathy) or pathologies associated with poor circulation in the eyeball.

Causes of the disease:

  • genetic predisposition;
  • strong intoxication of the body;
  • inflammatory diseases eye;
  • progression myopia;
  • complications diabetes mellitus;
  • frequent stressful situations;
  • eye injuries;
  • disorders in the circulatory system;
  • impact critical loads on the body;
  • acute lack of vitamins and useful macroelements;
  • progression chronic diseases;
  • complications infectious lesions body;
  • consequences traumatic brain injuries.

Reference! PD can be provoked not only by pathological processes in the body, but also long-term abuse of bad habits, serious errors in nutrition, uncontrolled use of potent drugs with side effects that affect the organs of vision.

Intensity symptoms PD of the eyes directly depends on the stage of development of the pathology.

At its initial stages, the patient may notice minor deviations, for example, in the form of “flies” before the eyes.

Gradually symptoms intensifies and is complemented by other signs.

In the presence of complications, the patient exhibits a combination of characteristic signs of eye dystrophy.

Symptoms of the disease:

  • color perception disorder surrounding conditions;
  • a sharp deterioration in visual acuity in the twilight and at night;
  • blurred vision in one or both eyes;
  • excessive eye fatigue;
  • image distortion surrounding objects (blurred boundaries);
  • regular the appearance of “fog” before the eyes;
  • periodic the occurrence of flashes or “floaters” before your eyes.

Important! The disease can be triggered by complications after surgery. The causes of PD are doctors' mistakes or individual characteristics the patient's body.

Division of retinal degeneration according to the degree of damage

Damage to the tissue of the eyeball occurs in different ways. Depending on the degree of damage and morphological changes that occur with the progression of pathology, peripheral retinal degeneration divided into two main types.

Identifying the specific type of disease is necessary to make a prognosis and prescribe the most effective course of therapy for the patient.

Classification of the disease depending on morphological changes in tissues:

  • peripheral chorioretinal retinal dystrophy (PCRD)- during its development, damage to the choroid and retinal cells occurs;
  • peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophy (PVRD)- provokes complete damage to the vitreous body of the eye, significantly affecting the retina and its choroid.

Description, symptoms and pathogenesis of common types of disease

Classification of types of peripheral retinal dystrophy is carried out depending on the type of morphological changes, the degree of retinal detachment and other factors. Exists several types of pathological process, the most common in medical practice, each of which has its own characteristics of symptoms and prognosis for the patient.

Lattice

On the fundus of the eye, a specific pattern is formed in the form of a mesh, formed from atrophied vessels to which blood has stopped flowing. Can provoke pathology retinal detachment. Its danger lies in the risk of the formation of cysts that have the ability to rupture. At risk are male patients. The disease progresses at a slow pace.

Photo 1. Lattice retinal dystrophy leads to the formation of cysts, which subsequently rupture.

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Snail trail disease

The pathology got its name due to the similarities of the dystrophic changes with the trace that the snail leaves behind. Well visible in the fundus peculiar perforated defects merging into ribbons of different widths and lengths. The pathological process provokes extensive ruptures. The disease develops due to myopic disease or cribriform complications retinal dystrophy.

Frost-like degeneration

Frost-like dystrophy is one of the pathologies that can transmitted at the genetic level. The development of the disease provokes the appearance on the retina specific formations resembling snow flakes. Inclusions rise above its surface and are clearly visible using ophthalmological equipment. Dystrophy is bilateral and develops in a symmetrical form.

Cobblestone type

Pathology in most cases is diagnosed in patients with myopathy. This type of dystrophy is characterized by formation of white ring defects.

The oblong shape of the formations and their large number visually resemble a cobblestone pavement, which is how the disease got its name.

Small cystic

Small cystic dystrophy is accompanied by the formation small cysts with the ability merge with each other. At the place of their connection, in the event of a rupture, deep perforated defects. Cysts have rounded shape and characteristic Red color.

Pigmented

Pigmentary dystrophy is characterized by disturbances in central and color vision. Its first manifestation is impairment of the ability to clearly see objects at dusk. A complication of this pathology can be loss of not only vision, but also hearing.

Congenital and acquired retinoschisis

In most cases the pathology is inherited and is congenital. The acquired form develops predominantly in patients old age or against the background of progression myopathies. With retinoschisis occurs delamination retina of the eye.

Methods of medical diagnosis

Diagnosis of PD is complicated by the ability of the disease to develop asymptomatic for a long time.

Detection of the disease can occur when other diseases are diagnosed or in the presence of complications in the form of tears in the retinal tissue (the patient consults an ophthalmologist with complaints of “flashes,” “floaters,” or “fog” before the eyes).

When diagnosing PD, the following methods are used:

  • scleropression(displacement of the retina for its full study);
  • dilation of pupils with special medications;
  • procedure optical coherence tomography;
  • Ultrasound of the organs of vision;
  • inspection with a three-mirror Goldmann lens;
  • electrophysiology.

Treatment methods of different types

Some types of PD not treatable. This feature of the pathology is due to the degree of degenerative changes that lead to the progression of the disease. The goal of therapy is maximum vision restoration and prevention of its further decline.

General principles of treatment of peripheral dystrophy are the same for all its forms. The therapy complex includes the use medications, laser therapy and surgery.

Treatment options for different types of PD:

  • Application of vitamin drops to improve the process of tissue regeneration of the eyeball ( Taufon, Emoksipin).

Photo 2. Eye drops Taufon 40 mg/ml, 10 ml, from the manufacturer Farmak.

  • Conservative treatment with drugs, reducing the risk of blood clots in blood vessels ( Ticlopidine, Aspirin). The method is used regardless of the form of pathology.
  • Treatment strengthening and vasodilating means ( Askorutin, Papaverine). The method refers to the mandatory stages of general therapy.
  • In the presence of hemorrhages or hematomas, use special absorbable drugs ( Heparin, Triamcinolone, Aminocaproic acid).
  • Laser coagulation. The procedure is used in the treatment of all types of retinal PD; the operation is aimed at separating the affected area with a laser; in some cases, laser coagulation is prescribed for prophylactic purposes.
  • Physiotherapeutic procedures(In most cases magnetic stimulation And electrical stimulation fabrics). Used in the treatment of pigmentary dystrophy. The maximum effectiveness of the procedures is achieved only when they are used in the early stages of the pathology.
  • Revascularization(the operation is performed using drugs Alloplant and Retinalamin). The procedure not only normalizes ocular blood circulation, but also significantly improves the patient’s vision for several years.

Dystrophic processes in eye structures most often develop in the peripheral zones of the retina. Scientific language calls them peripheral retinal degenerations.

Such processes are dangerous for the eye both due to their consequences and late diagnosis due to the peculiarities of the eye structure.

What happens with peripheral retinal degeneration?

With dystrophic changes, areas of the retina gradually become thinner. Tension zones form between the vitreous body and the retina, as a result of which it ruptures in some places. Through this hole, fluid components of the vitreous pass under the retina, which lifts the retina and detaches it.

So, as a result of degenerative processes, retinal detachment occurs - the most dangerous eye disease, which, moreover, does not immediately make itself felt by the manifestation of symptoms. Another problem with peripheral degeneration is the location of the area of ​​the pathological process. It is located behind the “equator” of the eye, so it can be difficult to see during a routine ophthalmological examination.

Why is it developing?

This pathology occurs in people of all ages, including children. Some vascular, inflammatory and other changes in the structures of the eye lead to retinal dystrophy. Very often it is observed in nearsighted people. In this case, degenerative changes occur due to elongation of the eyeball. The main cause of dystrophic changes is a hereditary predisposition.

Also among the reasons:

Common diseases:

  • atherosclerosis,
  • hypertonic disease,
  • diabetes,
  • infections,
  • intoxication.

Kinds

Lattice degeneration, in which the degenerative process is clearly localized. Varieties: cochlear trace, when degeneration occurs in the form of a white stripe, palisade - zones of degeneration are defined as white strokes. In the problem area, fusion with the vitreous occurs. Lattice degeneration is most often bilateral.

  • Microcystic degeneration appears as a mass of red dots on a white-gray background. Localization of the lesion at the dentate line. This type of degeneration is also more often bilateral and occurs more often in people over 40 years of age.
  • Cobblestone degeneration results in the formation of white, depigmented lesions. This type of pathology rarely leads to retinal detachment, that is, it has the most gentle consequences.

Diagnosis and treatment

The primary diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist at the clinic. To do this, you need to conduct an ophthalmological examination, which includes:

  • Perimetry,
  • Visometry,
  • Ophthalmoscopy with Goldmann lens or scleral depression.

Laboratory tests of blood and urine are required.

Treatment is carried out in an ophthalmological hospital. It can be surgical or laser. Moreover, laser technologies are becoming more and more widespread every year, as they allow treatment to be carried out as quickly and accurately as possible.

Mandatory treatment is prescribed for lattice degeneration. Cystic and cobblestone degeneration require treatment when the patient complains of photopsia, when myopia progresses and significant retinal detachment is detected, or when there is blindness in the eye affected by peripheral dystrophy. In other cases, recommendations are given for maintaining eye health and regular monitoring of the condition of the retina.

Most often, preventive laser coagulation is performed for treatment. With its help, areas of dystrophy and healthy tissue of the eye are distinguished, a new line of attachment of the retina and fundus is created. As a result, the risk of its detachment is significantly reduced, which means that the patient’s vision is preserved. The success of treatment directly depends on the timing of receiving specialist help.

Peripheral retinal dystrophy is a pathological disease in which the tissues inside the eyeball undergo changes due to poor circulation. At the very beginning, the disease occurs without obvious symptoms.


However, if a person increasingly notices a sharp darkening in the eyes, the appearance of floaters or bright flashes, then one should consult an ophthalmologist and conduct an appropriate examination.

How does pathology occur?

Anatomically, the retina of the eye is a thin layer of nerve cells whose main function is to project images to the brain using optic nerves.

Next, the received information is processed in the visual cortex of the brain and interpreted. The cells inside the retina are light sensitive and are able to capture any images that come into view.

If for any reason these cells begin to die, then changes occur in their structure. This is how their degeneration begins, leading to dystrophy. Externally, a person feels these changes through a general deterioration of vision.

The rate of progression and severity of the disease depend on what type of dystrophy develops. If retinal diseases are not treated, this can lead to serious visual impairment and even complete loss of vision.

The destruction of cells in the retina occurs very slowly. This occurs due to damage to the blood vessels inside the eye. As blood flow deteriorates, mineral and oxygen metabolism is disrupted. Photoreceptors gradually die off. The great danger of this pathology lies in its asymptomatic nature.

In addition to deterioration of vision, the patient does not feel physical pain and other signs until the moment when degenerative changes become irreversible. It is difficult to detect peripheral dystrophy even during a doctor’s examination of the fundus.

The periphery of the retina is most often affected in nearsighted people. The reason for this phenomenon lies in their physiological characteristics of the structure of the eye. Since the eyeball in myopia has an elongated shape, this causes tension on the retina and its subsequent thinning.

In addition, people over the age of 60 who suffer from obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis are at risk. All these diseases are associated with dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.

Dystrophic changes in the retina can be provoked by constant stress, viral diseases, bad habits, poor lifestyle, and insufficient intake of vitamins and important microelements.

Often, peripheral retinal dystrophy can develop in women during pregnancy. This is due to changes in blood pressure levels and a decrease in blood flow to the vessels of the eyeball. Sometimes the pathology is inherited.

Classification of the disease

Peripheral retinal dystrophy is of two types, depending on how morphological changes occur in its tissues:

  • chorioretinal - only the cells of the retina itself and its choroid are damaged;
  • vitreochorioretinal - the vitreous body of the eye, retina and choroid are completely damaged.

Based on the nature of pathological changes, the following types of peripheral dystrophy are distinguished:

  1. Lattice retinal dystrophy. When examining the fundus, narrow stripes are observed, shaped like gratings or rope ladders. Hence the name of this pathology. This is the most common disease (more than 60% of all cases), leading to, which makes it especially dangerous and practically incurable. Lattice retinal dystrophy most often develops in men and is transmitted hereditarily. Usually both eyes are affected at the same time. The disease progresses very slowly, gradually progressing throughout the patient’s life.
  2. Snail trail. The disease owes its beautiful name to the fact that defects in the retinal tissue outwardly resemble the trace that a snail leaves when moving along the asphalt. Streak-shaped shiny formations and small holes appear on the surface of the retina. The danger of this type of dystrophy is that ruptures can form in the tissues, which naturally leads to their detachment.
  3. Like "frost". This species is also inherited and occurs with equal frequency in both men and women. Whitish-yellow formations are found on the retina, resembling frost in appearance. It is characteristic that these inclusions form directly next to thickened blood vessels.
  4. Cobblestone street. In the distant parts of the eyeball, pathological foci are formed on the retina, shaped like round cobblestones located in a circle. This disease is most common in older people.
  5. Small cystic. A characteristic sign of this type of peripheral retinal dystrophy is the formation of small cysts. In the places of these formations, holes appear, which indicates tissue tearing. Small cystic dystrophy proceeds very slowly, but is treated quite successfully.
  6. Retinoschisis. This type of pathology is a process of retinal dissection. Large cysts filled with glial protein begin to form at the sites of tissue rupture. These deposits form bumpy folds in the form of stars and circles on the surface of the retina.

How pathology of the retinal periphery occurs and methods for its diagnosis

With age, the body's metabolic process is gradually disrupted, which leads to the accumulation of many wastes and toxins. Exposure to viruses and pathogens, frequent intoxications, and infectious diseases provoke disruptions in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The blood flow does not sufficiently supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of the eyeball, which becomes the prerequisite for pathological changes.

There are both general and private causes of the disease.

  1. Special cases include myopia, hereditary predisposition, injuries and inflammatory diseases of the eyes, and previous eye surgeries.
  2. Common causes of peripheral dystrophy include disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, nicotine and alcohol abuse, drugs, viral infections, vascular diseases, lack of a balanced diet, exposure to ultraviolet rays directly into the eyes, etc.
  3. Anything that negatively affects metabolism and blood flow in the human body carries a potential threat of pathology in the tissues of the eyeball.

The biggest danger is that peripheral retinal degeneration does not have pronounced symptoms. Most often, doctors find pathology by chance when examining a patient in connection with other ophthalmological diseases.

Only after tears have occurred in the retinal tissue does a person begin to see flashes, large spots, etc. All these symptoms require immediate contact with a specialist.

Diagnosing developing pathological processes in distant parts of the eyeball is not so easy. This is simply not possible during a routine examination.

  1. It is necessary to dilate the pupil as much as possible with the help of special medications and then examine it with a three-mirror Goldmann lens.
  2. Sometimes it is necessary to use the scleropressure method.
  3. Additionally, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound and electrophysiological methods are used to study the visual field.

Scleropression is the most reliable way to confirm the diagnosis. However, it is painful and uncomfortable. During the procedure, the doctor moves the retina to the middle and thus can observe the condition of the tissues inside. The process involves photographing the fundus using a slit lamp.

If changes in the retina are minor, then treatment is not required. But the patient will definitely be under the supervision of a doctor. If the process of development of pathology begins to progress, then it will be necessary to begin treatment.

Treatment of eye dystrophy

There are general and specific methods. General measures are carried out regardless of the type of pathology. Since it is impossible to completely eliminate degenerative changes in tissues, treatment is aimed at stopping this process and partially improving the patient’s vision. This way only the symptoms are eliminated. To do this, doctors use medications, laser therapy and surgery.

  1. As a conservative treatment, doctors prescribe drugs that help reduce thrombus formation in blood vessels (Acetylsalicylic acid, Ticlopidine, etc.), vasodilators and strengthening agents (Ascorutin, No-Shpa, Papaverine), and complex multivitamins.
  2. Drugs to improve blood microcirculation and polypeptides are used as eye injections.
  3. Vitamin drops are prescribed that improve tissue metabolism and begin the regeneration process (Emoxipin, Taufon).

Medicines are taken in courses, which are carried out 2 times a year. If hemorrhage occurs in the eye, then Heparin, aminocaproic acid and other similar drugs are administered to eliminate the hematoma. Edema is eliminated with Triamcinolone injections.

Physiotherapy procedures give good results in the treatment of peripheral retinal dystrophy: electrophoresis in combination with a medicinal cocktail of heparin, nicotinic acid and No-Shpa, electrical and photostimulation of the retina, low-energy laser exposure, intravenous laser irradiation of blood (ILBI procedure), magnetic therapy.

Surgical techniques

If drug treatment does not produce results over a certain period of time, then proceed to the surgical method. The most common operations to treat this pathology are:

  1. Vitrectomy. During the operation, all pathologically altered tissues, scars and adhesions are removed from the vitreous.
  2. Laser coagulation of the retina. This operation helps strengthen the inner lining of the eye, stops the process of tissue detachment and the further development of dystrophy.
  3. Vasoreconstructive surgery. The temporal artery is cut off, which ultimately normalizes blood flow to the optic nerve and retina. Used for acute and advanced stages of eye diseases. As a result, the functions of the eye become stable, and vision often improves significantly.
  4. Revascularization surgery. The essence of this operation is to restore blood supply inside the eyeball. During the operation, the drugs Retinalamin and Alloplant are used. This procedure helps stabilize visual function for the next 3-5 years.

In addition to all the treatment methods described, it is important to completely give up bad habits, wear sunglasses, adhere to a healthy lifestyle, and eat food rich in nutrients.

Don't forget about vitamins. Vitamins of groups A, B, C and E are especially useful. They quickly return visual functions to normal. In addition, tissue nutrition in the eye is significantly improved. If you take vitamin complexes for a long time, this will help stop the degenerative process in the retina.

In addition to chemically synthesized vitamins, it is recommended to take care of your diet so that the foods you eat are as saturated with vitamins and microelements as possible. Thus, the most vitamins A, B, C and E are found in cereals, nuts, fresh vegetables and fruits, herbs, apricots, blueberries, carrots, beets, citrus fruits, beans and fish.

Preventive measures

When the question arises about the prevention of such a serious disease as retinal dystrophy, you can follow just a few simple rules. They will help maintain good vision for a long time and get rid of problems:

  1. The eyes should rest periodically. Avoid overexertion.
  2. When working with a computer, use special glasses.
  3. Improve your eye exercises.
  4. Take vitamin complexes to improve visual function, as well as dietary supplements containing zinc.
  5. Eat a varied and nutritious diet.
  6. Get rid of bad habits.

By following these basic rules, you can protect yourself from retinal dystrophy and preserve your vision.

Video review

Peripheral vision and dark adaptation deteriorate. This means that they have difficulty seeing in dark rooms and have difficulty distinguishing objects located to the side of them. As complications develop, patients may experience more obvious and dangerous symptoms.

Kinds

Depending on the nature of the pathological changes in the retina, several types of peripheral degeneration are distinguished. Only an ophthalmologist can distinguish them after performing an ophthalmoscopy - examination of the fundus of the eye. During the examination, the doctor can see the retina, which lines the inside of the eyeball.

Lattice

It occurs in approximately 65% ​​of cases and has the most unfavorable prognosis. According to statistics, it is lattice dystrophy that most often leads to retinal detachment and loss of vision. Fortunately, the disease has an indolent course and progresses slowly throughout life.

Lattice degeneration is characterized by the appearance of narrow white stripes on the fundus of the eye, which in appearance resemble a lattice. They are empty vessels of the retina filled with hyaline. Between the white cords, areas of thinned retina that have a pinkish or red tint are visible.

According to the type of snail trail

This type of peripheral retinal degeneration most often develops in people with high degrees of myopia. The pathology is characterized by the appearance of peculiar perforated defects on the retina, which outwardly resemble a snail's footprint on the asphalt. The disease leads to ruptures of the retina with its subsequent detachment.

Frost-like

It is a hereditary disease that affects men and women. Frost-like peripheral dystrophy is characterized by the appearance of whitish deposits on the retina of the eye, which outwardly resemble snow flakes.

Cobblestone type

Refers to the least dangerous retinal PVCRD. Occurs more often in older people and people with. The disease is practically asymptomatic and has a relatively favorable course. It extremely rarely leads to ruptures or.

In cobblestone dystrophy, multiple foci of degeneration are visible in the fundus. They are white in color, elongated in shape and have an uneven surface. As a rule, all lesions are located in a circle, at the very periphery of the fundus.

Retinoschisis

The disease is hereditary. It leads to delamination of the retina and the formation of huge cysts filled with fluid. Retinoschisis is asymptomatic. In some cases, it is accompanied by local loss of vision at the location of the cyst. But since the pathological foci are on the periphery, this goes unnoticed.

Small cystic

The pathology is also called Blessin-Ivanov disease. Small cystic retinal retinal retinal retina is accompanied by the formation of many small cysts on the periphery of the fundus. Usually the disease has a slow course and a favorable prognosis. However, in rare cases, cysts can rupture, causing retinal tears and detachments.

Causes

A considerable part of peripheral chorioretinal retinal dystrophies are hereditary diseases. In 30-40% of cases, the development of the disease is provoked by high degrees of myopia, in 8% - by. Retinal damage can also result from systemic or ophthalmic diseases.

Possible causes of the development of peripheral degenerations:

  • hereditary predisposition, the presence of PVCD in close relatives;
  • myopia (myopia) of any degree;
  • inflammatory eye diseases (endophthalmitis, iridocyclitis, etc.);
  • previous injuries and surgical interventions;
  • diabetes mellitus and other diseases of the endocrine system;
  • intoxication and viral infections;
  • atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system;
  • frequent and prolonged exposure to the sun without sunglasses;
  • lack of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the normal functioning of the retina of the eye.

In young people, acquired retinal degenerations most often develop against the background of high myopia. In older people, pathology occurs due to disruption of normal blood circulation and metabolism in the tissues of the eyeball.

Symptoms

At first, peripheral retinal dystrophy does not manifest itself in any way. Occasionally, it may make itself felt with bright flashes or the flickering of spots before the eyes. If a patient has impaired lateral vision, he does not notice it for a long time. As the disease progresses, a person realizes that he needs brighter light when reading. Over time, he may develop other visual impairments.

The most common symptoms of PVCRD are:

  • Narrowing of visual fields. The patient has difficulty seeing objects located on the periphery. He has to turn his head to see them. In the most severe cases, people develop what is called tunnel vision.
  • The appearance of cattle. Defects in the visual field may not be noticeable or may appear as black or colored spots. In the first case, they can be identified using additional research methods - perimetry and campimetry.
  • Nyctalopia. Peripheral retinal degeneration leads to damage to the rods, the light-sensitive elements responsible for night vision. For this reason, the pathology is often accompanied by night blindness (poor vision at dusk).
  • Metamorphopsia. The symptom is manifested by distortion of the contours and sizes of visible objects.
  • Blurred vision. A person may feel as if he is looking at the world through fog or a thick layer of water.

When complications occur (retinal rupture or detachment), the patient experiences sparks, lightning, and bright flashes before the eyes. Subsequently, a dark curtain forms in the field of vision, preventing normal vision. These symptoms are extremely dangerous, so if they occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

At-risk groups

Peripheral chorioretinal retinal dystrophy most often affects people with a high degree of myopia. This is due to the fact that with myopia the eyeball grows in length. Consequently, this leads to severe stretching and thinning of the retina. As a result, it becomes extremely susceptible to dystrophic processes.

The risk group also includes people over 65 years of age and patients with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. In all these people, the retina of the eye suffers from a lack of oxygen and nutrients for various reasons. All this is a powerful impetus for the development of dystrophy.

Which doctor treats peripheral retinal dystrophy?

The treatment of retinal retinal retina is performed by a retinologist. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the posterior segment of the eyeball (vitreous body, retina and choroid).

If complications develop, the patient may require the help of an ophthalmic surgeon or laser ophthalmologist. These specialists perform complex surgeries to treat retinal tears and detachments. In difficult situations, their help allows you to preserve and even restore partially lost vision.

Diagnostics

Methods used to diagnose peripheral degenerations.

Method Description results
Visiometry The patient is seated at a certain distance from Sivtsev’s table and asked to read the letters in different rows. If he experiences difficulties, his vision is checked with correction (lenses of different strengths). The method allows you to identify myopia or other visual impairments. A decrease in visual acuity that cannot be corrected indicates damage to the retina of the eye.
Perimetry The patient's visual fields are checked. Instead of perimetry, campimetry can be performed or an Amsler grid can be used. During the examination, a narrowing of the visual field or the appearance of scotomas is revealed. The location of the defects gives an idea of ​​the localization of foci of degeneration.
Ophthalmoscopy Having previously dilated the pupil, the doctor examines the fundus of the eye. For this purpose, he can use a direct or indirect ophthalmoscope. If it is necessary to examine distant areas of the retina, he uses a three-mirror Goldmann lens. With ophthalmoscopy, an experienced ophthalmologist can see pathological changes in the retina. Since all dystrophies look different, they can be distinguished visually.
Sclerocompression The manipulation is performed during ophthalmoscopy. The doctor gently presses the sclera, trying to move the retina closer to the center. Sclerocompression makes it possible to examine the most distant areas of the fundus.
Instrumental methods To clarify the diagnosis, the patient may undergo optical coherence tomography or electrophysiological studies. Modern techniques make it possible to obtain a clear picture of the condition of the retina and the location of degenerative foci.

Treatment

To date, there are no methods that can completely cure peripheral vitreochorioretinal dystrophy of the retina. The progression of the disease can be stopped with the help of medication, physiotherapy, laser and surgical treatment. The correct approach to combating the disease allows you to preserve your vision and avoid dangerous complications.

Drugs that help slow the progression of dystrophy:

  • Antiplatelet agents (Acetylsalicylic acid, Ticlopidine, Clopidogrel). Useful for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. They thin the blood and inhibit thrombus formation, thereby protecting the retina from hypoxia.
  • Vasodilators and angioprotectors (Actovegin, Vinpocetine, Pentoxifylline). Relieves spasm of retinal vessels and protects vascular walls from damage. They improve blood circulation in the retina, preventing its destruction.
  • Vitamin and mineral complexes (Okyuvite-Lutein, Blueberry-Forte). Saturate the retina with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Slow down the course of degenerative processes.
  • Biological regulators (Retinolamine). Restore the permeability of retinal vessels and normalize the functioning of photoreceptors. They stimulate reparative processes, that is, they accelerate the restoration of the retina.

You can strengthen the retina and prevent its detachment using laser treatment. During the procedure, the specialist solders the retina to the choroid, which is located underneath it. This allows you to limit the foci of degeneration.

Prevention

There is currently no specific prevention of the disease. You can reduce the risk of developing dystrophy with the help of eye exercises and proper nutrition. Dietary supplements containing zinc, vitamins E, A, and B are very useful in this regard. Protecting your eyes from ultraviolet radiation with sunglasses also helps to avoid illness.

Peripheral retinal dystrophies often develop in older people and in people with high degrees of myopia. The reason for this is stretching of the retina or impaired blood circulation and metabolism in it.

To combat degeneration, medications, physiotherapy, laser and surgical techniques are used. Laser coagulation of the retina today is considered the most effective method of treating pathology. With its help, it is possible to limit dystrophic foci and prevent the spread of the pathological process.

Useful video about peripheral retinal dystrophy



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