Retina Treatments: FAQ

Retinal treatment includes procedures performed to maintain the health of the retinal tissue at the back of the eye. Retinal diseases include retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration.

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fluid and membranes behind the eye. During this operation, haemorrhages or membranes in the eye are removed.

Recovery after vitrectomy usually takes 2-4 weeks, and longer if gas or silicone oil was placed in the eye. The patient can accelerate the healing process according to the doctor's recommendations.

Treatment of retinal detachment is usually performed by surgical intervention. Vitrectomy or laser treatment may be required to reattach the retina.

Methods such as laser therapy, injections or vitrectomy can be used to treat diabetic retinopathy. Early treatment can prevent vision loss.

MACROvision is an intraocular optical implant for retinal diseases that impair central vision, such as macular degeneration. It magnifies the image and directs it to the healthy part of the macula; it does not treat the disease itself.

Retinal treatment is usually performed under local anaesthesia. However, sedation or general anaesthesia may be required in some cases.

Yes, macular degeneration is divided into dry type and wet type. Dry type is more common and wet type can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

After vitrectomy surgery, patients can usually return to their daily activities within a few days. However, full recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks, and longer if gas or silicone oil was placed in the eye.

Diabetic retinopathy can be seen in patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The risk increases as the duration of diabetes increases.

Risk factors include long-term diabetes, poorly controlled blood sugar, hypertension, high cholesterol, pregnancy and smoking.

It is diagnosed by methods such as fundus examination, fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography.

Yes, diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy, intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF drugs) and vitrectomy if necessary.

Laser treatment helps to protect the retina by closing leaking vessels or reducing the formation of new vessels.

Keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control can help prevent the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

If left untreated, it can lead to complete loss of vision.

Yes, diabetic retinopathy can progress during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women with diabetes have regular eye checks.

During MACROvision surgery, a special optical implant is placed inside the eye. This implant focuses light and directs it to the intact area of the macula, helping to improve the patient's central vision.

This surgery is suitable for patients with retinal diseases affecting central vision, such as macular degeneration, who have not benefited from other treatments. Suitability is determined by a detailed eye examination and retinal assessment.

Yes, the results of surgery are usually permanent. However, if the underlying disease progresses, the quality of vision may change.

Generally, one eye is operated on first, and the other eye is planned once the results have been evaluated.

No. MACROvision does not treat the disease or stop it from progressing; by directing the image to the healthy part of the macula, it helps you make better use of your remaining vision.

The time the brain needs to adapt to the magnified image varies from person to person; vision rehabilitation makes this process easier.

Blurred central vision, wavy appearance of straight lines, difficulty in perceiving colours, reading and facial recognition are common symptoms.

Yes, for wet macular degeneration, medication and laser treatment can slow down the progression of the disease. For the dry type, lifestyle changes and vitamin supplements are recommended.

The disease affects central vision but does not usually result in complete blindness. Peripheral vision is usually preserved.

Yes, genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of this disease.

No treatment stops dry macular degeneration; however, in the intermediate stage, certain vitamin and mineral combinations (the AREDS formula) can slow its progression.

Yes, smoking increases the risk of developing the disease and can accelerate its progression.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, consumption of green leafy vegetables, regular exercise and the use of UV protective sunglasses are recommended.

Retinal tears, eye traumas, retinopathy due to diabetes, myopia, aging and some genetic factors can lead to retinal detachment.

Advanced age, severe myopia, family history of retinal diseases, eye injuries, previous eye surgeries and diabetes are among the risk factors.

It is diagnosed by methods such as fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasonography.

Yes. A retinal tear caught before detachment develops can be sealed with laser; once detachment has developed, the treatment is surgery. The success of surgical intervention increases with early diagnosis and treatment.

Yes, there is a risk of recurrence, especially if complications develop after treatment or if further retinal tears occur.

If left untreated, the retina can detach completely, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

The retina is a light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. It enables the perception of images and transmits this information to the brain.

Symptoms include sudden or slow loss of vision, flashes of light, floaters, difficulty in perceiving colours, wavy appearance of straight lines and deterioration in central vision.

It is a condition in which a tear occurs on the retina. It can often lead to retinal detachment and requires urgent intervention.

Aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of retinal disease, smoking and eye traumas are the main risk factors.

It is diagnosed by techniques such as fundus examination, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus angiography and ultrasonography.

Vitrectomy is a surgical procedure performed by removing the gel (vitreous) inside the eye. It is applied in retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and intraocular haemorrhages.

Yes, some retinal diseases such as retinopathy of prematurity and retinitis pigmentosa can occur in children.

Eating a healthy diet, having regular eye examinations, keeping diabetes and blood pressure under control, quitting smoking and protecting the eyes from the sun can help prevent retinal diseases.

Local or general anaesthesia is applied during the operation. Small incisions are made on the eye and vitreous tissue is removed and replaced with sterile liquids or gases.

No, there is no pain during the operation because local or general anaesthesia is used. There may be a slight discomfort after the operation.

Full recovery usually takes 2-4 weeks, and longer if gas or silicone oil was placed in the eye. However, the patient can usually return to daily activities within a few days.

It may take several weeks to several months for the vision to become fully clear. The recovery time depends on the patient's general state of health and the extent of the surgery.

It is important to use eye drops regularly after surgery, not to rub the eyes and to avoid heavy physical activities. Your doctor's recommendations must be followed.

During the operation, gas or silicone-based fluids may be inserted into the eye instead of vitreous. The gas helps to keep the retina in the correct position and is absorbed by the body over time.

If gas has been placed in the eye, do not fly or travel to high altitudes until the gas has cleared; your surgeon will tell you which head position to keep.

Yes, in some cases a second vitrectomy operation may be necessary.

Vitrectomy usually provides a permanent cure. However, if the underlying disease is progressing, additional treatments may be required.

In some cases, especially in patients with cataracts, cataract surgery can also be performed during vitrectomy.

Some patients may not be suitable for vitrectomy if their general health is not suitable for surgery or if the risks of surgery are higher. Your doctor will make a detailed assessment and inform you about this.