PSYchology
Angiopathy of the retina does not occur by itself. Violation of the blood supply to the retina causes a variety of diseases: from diabetes to high blood pressure. We will find out from experts why this pathology is dangerous, and how to preserve vision if angiopathy has already developed

First, let’s figure out what the retina is. The retina is the light-sensitive membrane of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells. These cells perceive light rays, convert them into nerve impulses and send them to the optic nerve. The functioning of the retina requires a normal blood supply, which is provided by millions of tiny capillaries.1.

With various diseases of the body, there is a narrowing of the vessels of the retina, blockage by a thrombus. Then we are talking about angiopathy – a condition that requires timely diagnosis and treatment. If this condition is left unattended, it can lead to permanent visual impairment.1.

What is retinal angiopathy

Angiopathy is a violation of the patency of the blood vessels that feed the retina. Most often, angiopathy is diagnosed in people older than 30 years.

Angiopathy is not an independent disease, but a consequence of various pathologies that worsen the condition of the vessels. The cause of angiopathy can be ophthalmic and general diseases. Therefore, treatment is always aimed at eliminating the underlying cause.

Causes of angiopathy of the retina in adults

The causes of angiopathy can be:

  • diabetes;
  • persistent long-term increase in blood pressure;
  • atherosclerosis;
  • acute and chronic heart diseases;
  • autoimmune diseases;
  • adrenal dysfunction;
  • eye injury.

There are also risk factors:

  • smoking;
  • work with toxic volatile substances;
  • living in a region with poor environmental conditions;
  • anomalies in the structure of the vascular wall.

Or the symptoms and stages of development of angiopathy depend on its cause. There are the following types of angiopathy2.

  1. Hypertensive – with prolonged elevated blood pressure, pathological vasodilation is observed, which subsequently leads to branching of the veins, pinpoint hemorrhages in the retina, clouding of the eyeball.
  2. Hypotonic – with a decrease in vascular tone, a decrease in blood flow velocity, stagnation of blood in the vessels, and increased formation of blood clots are observed.
  3. Diabetic – with prolonged hyperglycemia (increased concentration of glucose in the blood), irreversible damage to blood vessels occurs. They lose elasticity, become covered with atherosclerotic plaques and narrow, which leads to impaired blood flow.
  4. Traumatic – observed with injuries of the spine (especially the cervical spine), craniocerebral injuries, chest compression. At the same time, the risk of thrombosis is increased, blood flow to the retina is disturbed.
  5. Juvenile – usually develops due to inflammation in the vascular wall, accompanied by frequent bleeding into the retina and vitreous body.

Symptoms of angiopathy in adults

The main symptoms of angiopathy are associated with a change in the quality of vision. With a decrease in visual acuity, the appearance of “flies” or “sparks”, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist3.

Possible manifestations of angiopathy:

  • the appearance of “fog” before the eyes;
  • decreased visual acuity;
  • point or profuse hemorrhages in the eyeball;
  • pain and throbbing in the eye area;
  • burning sensation in the eyes;
  • narrowing of the field of view.

Treatment of retinal angiopathy in adults

The main treatment for angiopathy is the treatment of a disease that caused a pathological change in the vessels of the retina.

In diabetes, it is necessary to take drugs that reduce the concentration of sugar in the blood. With an increase in blood pressure, antihypertensive therapy is required, which will reduce it. All medicines are selected individually by a doctor.

To improve the condition of the vessels of the retina, the following are used:

  • drugs for the prevention of increased thrombosis;
  • means that improve microcirculation;
  • drugs that strengthen the vascular wall;
  • antioxidants;
  • drugs that improve metabolism;
  • vitamins of group B, E, R.

Prevention of retinal angiopathy in adults at home

To keep blood vessels healthy and vision clear, you need to follow a number of simple rules.

  • Regular appointment with a therapist, ophthalmologist and delivery of the necessary tests. This will help to identify serious diseases in the initial stages.
  • Proper balanced nutrition and intake of the necessary micro and macro elements.
  • Dosed visual load – for example, when working at a computer, you need to take 10-minute breaks every hour.
  • Eye protection from dust, smoke, UV radiation.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to angiopathy with ophthalmologist Tatyana Tsyganova.

What is dangerous angiopathy of the retina in adults?

– If the blood supply is disturbed, the normal functioning of the eye is impossible. Also, stagnation of blood leads to insufficient supply of oxygen, nutrients and stagnation of decay products.

 

Possible complications in the absence of adequate treatment:

 

• progression of myopia;

• retinal dystrophy;

• hemophthalmos (hemorrhage into the vitreous body);

• thrombosis and occlusion (limitation of patency) of blood vessels.

How can the retina be strengthened?

– The retina of the eye will help strengthen compliance with the following points:

• Proper nutrition and intake of essential vitamins (vitamin A, B, omega-3);

• To give up smoking;

• Blood pressure control;

• Gymnastics for the eyes;

• Laser vision correction if necessary.

 

Only an ophthalmologist can choose the necessary methods of prevention that will be effective.

How to understand that there are problems with blood circulation in the vessels of the eyes?

– The following methods are used to diagnose angiopathy:

 

• ophthalmoscopy (examination of the fundus with the help of special • UZDG-ultrasound examination of blood vessels;

• AngioOKT – angiography of the retina.

 

The main diagnostic method is an examination of the fundus by an experienced specialist. All other studies are assigned if necessary.

Which doctor should I contact with signs of retinal angiopathy?

– Since angiopathy is not considered an independent disease, the treatment should be complex and by different specialists.

 

If the first symptom was visual impairment, then you need to contact an ophthalmologist and therapist to find out the cause.

 

In the presence of a chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, etc.), regular visits to both an ophthalmologist and narrow specialists (cardiologist, endocrinologist) are mandatory.

 

It also requires self-monitoring of blood pressure, blood sugar, regular intake of medications prescribed by a therapist or cardiologist.

Sources:

  1. Egorov E.A., Stavitskaya T.V., Tutaeva E.S. Ophthalmic manifestations of common diseases. — М., 2006. https://library.icdc.ru/component/users/?view=login&return=aHR0cHM6Ly9saWJyYXJ5LmljZGMucnUvaW5kZXgucGhwL2NvbXBvbmVudC9rMi9pdGVtLzgwODYtb2Z0YWxtb2xvZ2ljaGVza2llLXByb3lhdmxlbml5YS1vYnNoY2hpa2gtemFib2xldmFuaWotcnVrb3ZvZHN0dm8tZGx5YS12cmFjaGVq
  2. Katsnelson L.A., Lysenko V.S., Balishanskaya T.I. Clinical atlas of fundus pathology. — M.: GEOTAR-MEDICINA, 1997. https://www.studentlibrary.ru/kk/book/ISBN9785970423400.html
  3. Moshetova L.K., Nesterov A.P., Egorov E.A. Ophthalmology. Clinical guidelines. — 2006. https://clck.ru/ecKou

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