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Retina And Vitreous
Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR)
Central serous retinopathy is a
small, round, shallow swelling that develops on the
retina, the light sensitive nerve layer that lines the
back of the eye. Although the swelling reduces or
distorts vision, the effects are usually temporary.
Vision generally recovers on its own within a few
months.
In the initial stages of CSR, vision may suddenly become
blurred and dim. If the macula-the area of the retina
responsible for acute central vision-is not affected,
there may be no obvious symptoms.
CSR typically affects adults between the ages of 20 to
50. People with CSR often lose their retinal swelling
without treatment, and recover their original vision
within six months of the onset of symptoms. Some people
with frequent episodes may have some permanent vision
loss. Recurrences are common and can affect 20 to 50
percent of people with CSR. While the cause of CSR is
unknown, it seems to occur at times of major personal or
work related stress.
As CSR usually resolves on its own, no treatment may be
necessary. Sometimes laser surgery can reduce the
swelling sooner but there is no evidence this improves
the final visual outcome. If retinal swelling persists
for over three to four months or if an examination
reveals early retinal degeneration, laser surgery may be
helpful. |
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Coats' Disease
Coats' disease is a chronic,
progressive disorder that affects the retina, the
light-sensitive nerve layer at the back of the eye.
Coats' disease is an abnormal growth spurt of the small
blood vessels (capillaries) that nourish the retina. The
fragile abnormal vessels break and leak the clear serum
part of the blood into the retina, causing the retina to
swell.
Coats' disease usually affects children (especially
boys) in the first ten years of life, but it can also
affect young adults. The condition affects central
vision, typically in only one eye. Severity can range
from mild vision loss to total retinal detachment and
blindness. No cause has yet been identified for Coats'
disease.
The leaking blood vessels can be treated with laser
surgery or cryotherapy (freezing). If the retina is
detached, a vitrectomy to replace the vitreous (the
clear gel-like substance inside the eye) with a gas
bubble may be necessary to restore vision. |
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Cotton-Wool Spots
Cotton-wool spots are tiny white
areas on the retina, the layer of light-sensing cells lining
the back of the eye. Caused by a lack of blood flow to the
small retinal blood vessels, they usually disappear without
treatment and do not threaten vision. They can, however, be
an indication of a serious medical condition.
Diabetes is the most common cause of cotton-wool spots. The
presence of more than eight cotton-wool spots has been
associated with a higher risk of the more severe form of
diabetic retinopathy known as proliferative diabetic
retinopathy.
Cotton-wool spots are also a common sign of infection with
the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). They are present in
more than half of the people with full-blown AIDS. Their
presence can be an important sign of the severity of
HIV-related disease. |
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