Cases of inflammation in the retina are generalized as retinal inflammatory disease, but there are several sub-categories of this condition. However, many of the causes and symptoms are similar concerning retinal conditions.
It is for this reason that a retina specialist is often required to diagnose and manage or treat these types of conditions.
Common Causes of Retinal Inflammation
Once an ophthalmologist diagnoses someone with retinal inflammation of a complex type, they may recommend a retina specialist. They can help identify the root causes of the patient’s condition, which in turn helps them find the best courses of treatment and methods of preventing recurrences if possible.
Cases of infectious retinitis are strictly the result of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi that result in inflammation and other affects depending on the patient’s specific characteristics and diagnosis.
This can result from immune deficiencies and poor practices like rubbing the eyes with pathogen contaminated hands. Other common causes of retinal inflammatory conditions include:
- Trauma to the eye
- Chronic or persistent eye infections
- Microbes such as herpes viruses and cytomegalovirus
- Autoimmune disorders
- Lyme disease
- Tuberculosis
- Various endogenous causes like Candida and parasites
Treatment and Prevention Methods a Retina Specialist May Recommend
A retina specialist will inquire about the degree of common symptoms such as floaters, blurred vision, an optic haze, light sensitivity, chills, fever and eye redness to help narrow down treatment options.
Typically, treatments are intended to prevent vision loss and help restore vision and will vary from patient to patient.
For example, a case sourced by immunity disorders may be treated with immunosuppressive drug therapy, while infectious types may call for antibiotics and/or steroids to treat the inflammatory condition.
In severe cases that require long-term management, a surgical steroid-releasing implant procedure called a vitrectomy may be recommended to control chronic infections and inflammation.
Concerning prevention, ophthalmologists recommend keeping the immune system as healthy as possible, avoid rubbing the eyes, regular hand sanitizing and routine visits to an eye care professional.
