CIRCULATORY DISORDER OF THE RETINA

Symptoms

The occlusion of an artery or a venous vessel causes the circulatory disorder in the retina

Depending on what type of vessel in the retina (retina) is affected, the circulatory disorder manifests itself in different ways. The occlusion of an artery is characterized by a sudden loss of vision in the respective eye. The affected person feel it no pain. The occlusion of a venous vessel however, is far more inconspicuous; the Vision deterioration usually progresses slowly. Only when central parts of the retina from the circulatory disorder involved, it comes to one significant deterioration in vision and as part of it for consultation with a doctor. Depending on whether a large or a small vessel is affected by circulatory disorders, it can lead to in both cases Failure of parts of the visual field or also for complete blindness come of the eye.

Typical symptoms of circulatory disorders in the retina are sudden or worsening Difficulty reading, Disorders of the color sense, general Vision deterioration, Blurred vision and "soot rain" before the eyes. The latter is an expression of fine bleeding into the inside of the eyeball.

Risk factors

Circulatory disorders of the retina are the most common causes of blindness in western society. The main reasons for circulatory disorders of the retina are diseases of civilization such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These three factors not only lead to general diseases of the cardiovascular system such as strokes and heart attacks, but also to damage to the retinal vessels.

Long-term high blood sugar levels (Hyperglycemia) lead to a chemical change (more precisely to the Glycosylation) of proteins and lipids. This has a These substances accumulate on the vessel wall and ultimately also their damage as a consequence. High blood pressure also has a damaging effect on the vessel walls (hypertension). Normally this should not be more than 140/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure exceeds this value permanently, the vessel walls are affected.Finally, a third very common reason for damaged vessels is high blood lipid levels (Hyperlipidemia). This is especially the case when a Excess LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) is present. Sufficiently high HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol), on the other hand, are desirable.

All of these factors result in one Thickening and roughening of the vessel walls and thereby to Narrowing of the vessels. This can lead to the formation of blood clots (Thrombi), which in the worst case can completely close the blood vessels of the retina. Thrombi, which arise in other parts of the body, can also block retinal vessels if they loosen and are carried to the eye via the bloodstream. This is often the case, especially with atrial fibrillation. A good adjustment of blood sugar values, blood pressure and blood clotting, as well as blood lipid values, is therefore the best prerequisite for avoiding circulatory disorders in the retina.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of circulatory disorders of the retina is made by the ophthalmologist. This can detect vasoconstriction in the retina by looking at the fundus with the pupil dilated. A timely diagnosis is particularly important here, as the retinal cells are very sensitive to a lack of oxygen. Diabetics in particular should therefore regularly take advantage of ophthalmological examinations.

therapy

Sudden loss of vision due to the occlusion of an arterial vessel is an ophthalmological emergency and must be treated immediately. Especially blood thinning play an important role in acute treatment. It is similar with the treatment of venous occlusions in the retina. In further treatment can a laser treatment of the closed vessels be indexed. To prevent circulatory disorders or to avoid renewed vascular occlusions, a reduction of the above-mentioned risk factors is of the utmost importance, otherwise there is a risk of blindness.