The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Retinal disease often causes no pain and, in its early stages, no symptoms at all — which is why screening matters more here than almost anywhere else in ophthalmology. By the time vision is clearly affected, some damage may already be irreversible.
Medical retina services at ShivAnuj are provided by Dr. Anuj Kodnani (MS Ophthalmology, DNB, FTVPEI, FWCRS), with OCT and non-mydriatic retinal imaging on site.
પડદાની (રેટિના) તપાસ અને સારવાર
રેટિનાના રોગોમાં શરૂઆતમાં દુખાવો કે લક્ષણ હોતાં નથી. ડાયાબિટીસ હોય તો વર્ષમાં એક વાર આંખનો પડદો તપાસાવવો જરૂરી છે. +91 94289 74800 પર ફોન કરો.
Conditions we manage
Diabetic retinopathy
Long-standing diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults, and in the early stages it is typically symptom-free. Anyone with diabetes should have a dilated retinal examination at least once a year, and more often if changes are already present or during pregnancy. Treatment may involve better systemic control, laser, intravitreal injections or surgery depending on the stage.
Retinal detachment and tears
A sudden shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain spreading across the vision needs same-day assessment. A tear caught early can often be treated with laser in the clinic; an established detachment usually needs surgery, and the result depends heavily on how quickly it is treated and whether the central retina is involved.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the macula, the small central area responsible for detailed vision. Straight lines appearing bent or a blurred or missing patch in the centre of vision are typical symptoms. The wet form can progress quickly and is treated with intravitreal injections; the dry form is managed with monitoring and risk-factor control.
Retinal vein occlusion and macular oedema
A blocked retinal vein causes sudden painless loss of vision in one eye and is associated with blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Swelling at the macula is often treated with intravitreal injections, sometimes with laser.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Babies born prematurely or with low birth weight can develop abnormal retinal blood vessels. ROP screening is time-critical — the treatable window is narrow and a missed screening can mean permanent blindness in an otherwise healthy child. Screening is arranged according to gestational age and birth weight.
What a retinal examination involves
- Dilated fundus examination — drops widen the pupil so the retina can be examined fully. Vision stays blurred and light-sensitive for several hours, so arrange for someone to take you home and do not plan to drive.
- OCT — a non-contact scan giving a cross-section of the retinal layers, used to detect and monitor macular swelling.
- Fundus photography — a record for comparison over time.
- Fundus fluorescein angiography — a dye study of retinal circulation, used in selected cases.
Intravitreal injections
Many retinal conditions are treated with medication injected into the vitreous cavity. The eye is anaesthetised and cleaned, and the injection itself takes a moment. It is generally well tolerated; floaters and mild irritation for a day or two are common. Treatment is usually a course rather than a single injection, with review scans to judge the response. Report increasing pain, worsening vision or marked redness promptly.
Seek urgent attention for sudden new floaters, flashes of light, a curtain or shadow across your vision, or sudden painless loss of vision. Call +91 94289 74800 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Questions patients ask
How often should someone with diabetes have an eye check?
At least once a year with a dilated retinal examination, and more frequently if retinopathy is already present, if control is poor, or during pregnancy. Annual screening should start at diagnosis for type 2 diabetes.
Does diabetic retinopathy have early symptoms?
Usually not. Vision is often normal until the disease is relatively advanced, which is exactly why routine screening rather than symptom-watching is the approach.
What do flashes and floaters mean?
Occasional floaters are common and often harmless. A sudden increase, new flashes, or a shadow across the vision can indicate a retinal tear or detachment and should be assessed the same day.
Are intravitreal injections painful?
The eye is numbed first. Most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild irritation and floaters for a day or two afterwards are common.
Can vision lost to retinal disease be restored?
Treatment is generally aimed at preventing further loss and, where possible, recovering some function. How much vision returns depends on the condition, how long it has been present and whether the macula is involved. Early treatment gives the best chance.
When should a premature baby's eyes be screened?
ROP screening timing is based on gestational age at birth and birth weight, and the window is narrow. Ask your paediatrician or neonatal unit immediately, and call us to arrange screening — delay is the main risk.
Will my eyes be dilated, and can I drive afterwards?
A proper retinal examination requires dilation. Vision stays blurred and light-sensitive for several hours, so please arrange for someone to accompany you and do not drive yourself.
Visit ShivAnuj Eye Hospital & Diagnostic Center
This page is general health information, not a substitute for a clinical examination. Suitability for any procedure is decided only after an in-person assessment. Individual results vary.