Dr. Avi Ohion explains which medical conditions endanger our vision (Walla system!)
Eye problems are a bothersome matter, but usually not dangerous or urgent.
Until it comes to retinal problems - which can cause significant damage, and even blindness.
Dr. Avi Ohion, a senior retina and cataract surgeon in the eye department of the Ichilov Hospital, was a guest on the "Expert Clinic" podcast to explain which conditions endanger our vision - and how to identify them in time.
First, it is important to understand what the retina is and what its role is. The eye consists of a front part where There is the cornea and iris (the color of the eye) and a back part where is the vitreous (the jelly that fills the eye cavity) and the retina. The function of the retina is to receive the light rays from the outside world and translate them into an image that goes directly to the brain. When people see black spots, some call them "Flies" or spider webs, is often a consequence of structural changes in the vitreous that occur physiologically from the age of 50 and over, as well as in young people with high myopia (high minus in glasses).
Dr. Ohion explained that when there are problems with the retina, you don't see them in the mirror, but you definitely feel them. "There are very strong symptoms, such as a black dot or several black dots, or all kinds of 'flies' that move around in the field of vision," he said and explained that many people There are black dots, but in most cases, over time, the brain knows how to ignore them. However, "there are cases when these dots are denser, larger, or are right in the center of vision, and then the patient complains of severe disruption in daily functioning, and asks to remove it out of sight".
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The way to get these "flies" out is through retinal surgery (vitrectomy) where the vitreous cavity is cleaned - the space where the drones are.
"We enter through the white of the eye at 3 different points, and harvest the jelly and vacuum it," he said, explaining that the operation is performed under local anesthesia, and is not painful at all.
The recovery is also very simple, the eye is bandaged for 24 hours and then treatment with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops begins.
In the first week the vision is blurred, after which the vision improves.
The danger: retinal detachment
Unlike black spots which, as mentioned, can appear in everyone, and are usually not dangerous, there are also cases where the spots can indicate a serious retinal problem that could endanger our vision.
One of the biggest risks to vision is a retinal tear that can lead to a retinal detachment.
"When the retina separates from the wall of the eye, there is an immediate danger of blindness," said Dr. Ohion, adding that in this case time is very critical. "It's a matter of hours or days, most separations are acute and must be attended to very quickly.
" "The first and most serious symptom is a decrease Sharp in vision, suddenly you can't see well at all in one eye.
In fact, there are many cases where people rub one eye and suddenly notice that they can't see in the other eye," he explained. Feelings of black spots or "flashes" (flashes of light) in the vision, a sort of laser beam or a fluttering curtain - are also signs that require immediate attention.
It should be noted that vitreous separation can cause situations of vitreous bleeding, macular hole and epiretinal membrane which also cause a drastic decrease in vision and require a surgical solution.
One of the scary phenomena.
Eyes (Photo: ShutterStock)
In these cases, you go to the eye clinic where the retina is examined.
If the retina has indeed been separated from its place, an urgent medical procedure is needed.
"Retina is basically like a camera film, as soon as you open the film to the sunlight - it burns, but in this case we have time to save, so the great importance is to arrive on time, to recognize the symptoms in time," added Dr. Ohion.
The risk factors for this alarming condition They are age and high myopia. "The overarching recommendation is that everyone over the age of 40 should go for an eye exam once a year, and people with high myopia should come at a younger age," said Dr. Ohion.
Finally, Dr. Ohion said that he recommends doing a home test once every few weeks - closing one eye and then the other, and seeing that the vision is good and stable.
health
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retina
eye
eyes
vision