[Kok! Health] Dangerous Retinal Diseases, Risk of Blindness if Left Untreated

Fundus photograph showing hemorrhage caused by macular degeneration.
[Photo by National Health Insurance Service]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] When your vision suddenly becomes blurry, you might casually attribute it to presbyopia or fatigue. However, you should not overlook the possibility that it could be a symptom of retinal disease. Retinal diseases often show no pain or noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but if left untreated, they can lead to decreased vision and even permanent vision loss.

The retina is a neural tissue similar to the brain. Just as problems in the brain can cause cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or dementia, the retina?being a nerve inside the eye?can also experience hemorrhages, blocked blood vessels, or loss of nerve function. When such diseases affect the retina, vision can be lost. Representative retinal diseases include macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Macular degeneration is a disease that causes degeneration in the central part of the retina. It occurs due to aging, and the central part of the nerve, which should be the most sensitive, can no longer perceive light, potentially leading to blindness. In the early stages, letters or straight lines may appear wavy or bent, and parts of images may look erased, with symptoms gradually worsening. Because the symptoms of macular degeneration are not severe initially, most patients visit the hospital late. Although treatment can slow or stop the progression of vision loss, it cannot restore already deteriorated vision to its original state.

Diabetes is one of the major causes of retinal abnormalities. Diabetes can cause hemorrhages in the retina, and severe diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Even if diabetic patients manage their blood sugar well, diabetic retinopathy can develop after 10 to 20 years, so they should receive ophthalmologic care from the early stages. Once hemorrhages occur in the retina, their location is important. If the hemorrhage has not reached the central part of the retina, laser or medication treatments can preserve the central area and protect vision. If the central part is already affected, the prognosis is not good, but efforts are made to save the central nerves through surgery, laser, or medication. Recently, advances in technology, equipment, and drugs have provided many options to maintain vision and increase surgical success rates.

Professor Moon Sang-woong from the Department of Ophthalmology at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital is explaining retinal diseases.
[Photo by Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital]

To keep the retina healthy, it is first important for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes to manage their conditions well. Even without specific symptoms, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist early to check for complications and receive regular care. Additionally, to prevent retinal aging, it is advisable to maintain good nutrition by consuming fresh vegetables and blue-backed fish. Foods such as carrots, broccoli, and egg yolks are also known to be beneficial for the retina. When going outside on sunny days, wearing sunglasses is recommended. Ultraviolet rays can cause more severe damage to the retina than we might think.

Professor Moon Sang-woong of the Department of Ophthalmology at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital said, "The most important aspect of treating retinal diseases is diagnosing the disease at an early stage. If you notice even slight abnormalities in your vision, pay close attention, and if symptoms worsen or do not improve, do not delay and be sure to visit a hospital."