Diseases of the Retina and Vitreous Body

There are several causes and contributing factors. Diseases of the retina and vitreous are often caused by genetics, metabolic conditions, age-related degenerative changes, or systemic diseases such as diabetes.

– flashes of light in the eye,

– light flickering,

– dark shadows in the visual field,

– dark spots in vision,

– loss of parts of the visual field,

– central vision loss (scotoma),

– metamorphopsia (distorted or wavy vision),

– curtain-like shadow over vision,

– blurred or decreased vision.

Some diseases may initially present without noticeable symptoms, increasing the risk of late diagnosis. Regular eye exams are therefore essential, especially for high-risk groups (e.g., people with diabetes, the elderly, individuals with high myopia).

– Epiretinal membrane – a thin layer of fibrous tissue on the surface of the retina in the macular area,

– AMD (Age-related macular degeneration) – treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections,

– Retinal detachment (Amotio retinae),

– Macular hole,

– Lamellar macular hole,

– Vitreomacular traction syndrome,

– Vitreous hemorrhage (Hemophthalmos) – bleeding into the vitreous body,

– Diabetic retinopathy – treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and retinal laser photocoagulation,

– Complications during cataract surgery,

– Vitreous opacities – floating particles of various origins, such as precipitated hyaluronic acid, cholesterol, or remnants of vitreous hemorrhage,

Modern ophthalmology offers several non-invasive methods for detailed imaging of ocular structures. The key diagnostic tools are ophthalmoscopy and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), which allow for precise analysis of retinal and macular layers. Fluorescein angiography is also important for evaluating vascular changes in the retina.

Treatment depends on the specific condition. Some cases require only regular monitoring, while advanced diagnoses may call for medication or surgery.

• Biological injection therapy – For diseases like AMD or diabetic retinopathy, anti-VEGF injections are used to inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth and macular swelling.

• Laser therapy – Primarily used for vascular abnormalities or small retinal tears.

• PPV vitrectomy – A microsurgical procedure in which the altered vitreous body is removed and retinal damage is repaired. At Dr. Böhm Eye Center, we perform this proven surgical technique called Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV), where the surgeon inserts a vitrectomy tool into the vitreous body through the anatomical part called the pars plana to operate on the necessary part of the retina, including macular holes or epiretinal membranes.

Although hospitalization is not required, this is a surgical procedure lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours under local anesthesia. The goal of the surgery is to improve the patient’s vision, halt disease progression, and stabilize the condition. In cases such as retinal detachment, the procedure can be vision-saving. In some cases, multiple techniques are combined to achieve the optimal result.

Although not all retinal diseases can be prevented, early diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Regular eye examinations — especially after age 50 or in the presence of risk factors — are essential. A healthy lifestyle, managing diabetes and blood pressure, and protecting the eyes from UV radiation also help preserve good vision.