Retinal Disorders

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Retinal disorders are among the most serious eye diseases because the retina does not regenerate — delay means permanent vision loss.

Most important disorders in India

• Diabetic retinopathy — leading cause of new working-age blindness. Annual dilated exam for everyone with diabetes. See Diabetic Eye Problems.
• Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) — central vision loss after 60. Wet form responds well to anti-VEGF injection class if caught early.
• Retinal detachment — sudden floaters, flashes, curtain across vision — same-day emergency. See Retinal Detachment.
• Retinal vein occlusion — sudden blurring of part of vision; often in people with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
• Retinitis pigmentosa — genetic; slow loss of peripheral vision starting in teens/20s. Support via low-vision services and genetic counselling.
• Retinoblastoma — childhood eye cancer. White reflex in photos instead of red. See Retinoblastoma.
• High myopia–related — retinal thinning/tears; annual dilated exam.

Warning signs — go same day

• New floaters + flashes of light.
• Curtain or shadow across part of vision.
• Sudden reduction or distortion of central vision (straight lines looking wavy — classic ARMD sign).
• Sudden loss of vision, even painless — retinal vessel blockage.
• White pupil in a child on flash photograph — urgent paediatric ophthalmology.

Treatments

• Laser photocoagulation — for diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears, some vessel occlusions.
• Anti-VEGF injection class — for diabetic macular oedema, ARMD, retinal vein occlusion.
• Vitrectomy + gas / oil tamponade + scleral buckle — retinal detachment surgery.
• Intravitreal steroid implant class — for refractory macular oedema.
• Vision rehabilitation — magnifiers, screen readers, low-vision clinics, mobility training.
• Government and NGO support: free cataract surgery under NPCB&VI; disability certificate for permanent vision loss opens access to reservations and schemes.