The human eye is one of those complex organs in the body that helps you lead your independent life, it is made of several components that all together work to provide you with that perfect vision, the problem with any one of those components going to influence the overall function of your eye. In that case, the retina and vitreous are vital components, the retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye which converts the light that comes into the eye into electrical signals that the brain interprets as images. The vitreous is a kind of gel substance that is located between the lens and retina and gives structural support to the eye. Together, these structures form what is known as the vitreo-retinal system. Here, any trauma or injury to the eye may influence this delicate system, potentially leading to vitreoretinal diseases. With the help of the below content, you may get to know the types of injuries that can lead to vitreoretinal diseases, and the treatment options available.
Types of eye trauma leading to vitreoretinal disease
Some of the eye traumas that may trigger the vitreoretinal diseases,
- Blunt trauma is a punch to the eye, when the eye is experiencing such pressure suddenly it can cause tears or holes in the retina. This sudden force may also disturb vitreous gel and it may pulled away from the retina this kind of condition is known as vitreous detachment. Based on the severity of the trauma retinal detachment may also be possible.
- Penetrating injuries are when any sharp object that penetrates the eye may cause immediate and severe damage to the retina and vitreous. Due to this, the eye may suffer from retinal tears, detachment, or even direct damage to the retinal tissue. Penetrating injuries should be treated as medical emergencies to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Orbital fractures, any trauma that occurs to the eye socket or the bones surrounding the eye may have a direct or indirect effect on the retina and vitreous. A fractured orbital bone can damage blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues in and around the eye.
- Chemical burns, the exposure to harsh chemicals are not at all good for health, especially eye health. It may cause damage to the eye's surface and deeper structures. Most often chemical burns affect the cornea and conjunctiva, severe cases may lead to vitreo-retinal complications.
- Surgical trauma, in rare cases eye surgery may bring trauma to the eye that may cause retina or vitreous-related problems.
How does trauma lead to vitreoretinal disease?
- Retinal tears and detachment, in case of trauma that makes the vitreous gel pull away from the retina, there it can create small tears or holes in the retinal tissue. In that case, the fluid from the vitreous space accumulates in the retina there retinal detachment might occur. This is a medical emergency condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
- Vitreous hemorrhage, when there is a sudden trauma may damage the blood vessels in the retina or vitreous to rupture in that instance internal bleeding inside the eye may occur. This condition, known as vitreous hemorrhage can result from sudden vision loss or floaters.
- Traumatic macular hole, the macula is one of the vital parts of the eye which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In that case, any trauma to the macula may cause the hole leading to blurry or distorted central vision.
- In proliferative vitreoretinopathy, in some cases of retinal detachment, the body tries to heal itself in that response formation of scar tissue on the retinal surface is also possible. This specific condition is called proliferative vitreo-retinopathy it may create further complications to retinal detachment surgery and increase the risk of recurrent detachment.
Get vitreo-retinal consultation
Any trauma or injury to the eye can lead to a range of vitreoretinal diseases; some of them even lead to permanent vision loss when it is not treated properly. While you are experiencing any kind of changes to your vision consult your doctor immediately to avoid creating further complications to your vision. Prefer the best eye hospital like The Eye Foundation for safer treatment. Schedule your consultation today!
