Retinal Issues: Insights on Degeneration and Treatment Options

Retinal issues?

Hello, Doctor; my daughter is 27 years old and has had floaters since she was 20.
She is a high myope (left eye -1050 with astigmatism of 200, right eye -1025 with astigmatism of 300-500).
Recently, her right eye was found to have poor sensitivity in the macular area, and in early February, a small tear was discovered in her left eye, for which she underwent peripheral retinal repair surgery and is currently recovering.
She works as an after-school teacher.
I have a few questions and would appreciate your insights.
Thank you.
1.
I saw a television program introducing "Taiwanese Green Propolis" (https://tw.healthezgo.com/sale/24/1090/?gclid=CjwKCAiAhfzSBRBTEiwAN-ysWE93yDYEAfZmbbiOE8XJL4icZ39LiMWD3agMrPAHgcs7QDGmMjXCORoCGX0QAvD_BwE), claiming it can repair optic nerves.
Are there any clinical studies or evidence supporting this claim?
2.
The doctor mentioned that my retina shows signs of degeneration.
Does retinal degeneration lead to blindness? Besides reducing eye strain and taking supplements, are there other methods to slow down degeneration?
3.
I have experienced flashes in my eyes for the past 3 to 4 years.
When I asked my doctor, he said the flashes are due to the vitreous pulling and are not directly related to retinal detachment.
However, since I am currently recovering from surgery, why do the flashes still occur intermittently? Could there be other issues with my eyes? I did not notice the tear this time, but in November, there were changes in my fundus with a significant increase in floaters.
Why was the tear not detected during the examination at that time, and why did it occur three months later?
4.
Regarding the recent developments in autologous stem cell therapy, can it treat other retinal diseases besides macular degeneration, according to your observations?
5.
With the unstable climate, does it have any impact on the eyes? I have been experiencing discomfort around the eye sockets, eyelids, and temples.

Rita, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/23

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

1.
Currently, there are no methods available to directly repair nerves, including dietary supplements.

2.
If it is pigmentary degeneration, it is relatively common in the retina and does not lead to blindness, so there is no need for concern.

3.
The occurrence of "photopsia" is indeed a phenomenon where the vitreous pulls on the retina; however, this traction does not necessarily mean it will result in a retinal tear.
Therefore, any new onset of "flashes" or floaters should be followed by a dilated eye examination for safety.

4.
The application of autologous stem cells in retinal treatment has not yet been commercialized, so it is not something to consider.

5.
Climate absolutely affects eye comfort, but climate factors are difficult for us to control.

Reply Date: 2018/02/23

More Info

Understanding retinal issues, particularly in the context of degeneration and treatment options, is crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms such as floaters, flashes of light, or changes in vision. In your case, as a 27-year-old with a history of high myopia and recent retinal concerns, it is essential to address your questions with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment pathways.

1. Taiwan Green Propolis and Nerve Repair: The claim that green propolis can repair optic nerves lacks substantial clinical evidence. While some studies suggest that certain natural compounds may have neuroprotective properties, there is no definitive proof that propolis can reverse damage to the optic nerve or improve vision. It is always advisable to approach such claims with caution and rely on treatments that have been validated through rigorous clinical trials.

2. Retinal Degeneration and Blindness: Retinal degeneration can lead to various visual impairments, but it does not always result in blindness. The severity of vision loss depends on the specific type of degeneration and the areas of the retina affected. For instance, conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can severely impact central vision but may spare peripheral vision. To slow down retinal degeneration, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. This includes a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin), regular eye examinations, and managing systemic health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, protecting your eyes from UV light and avoiding smoking can also help.

3. Flashes of Light and Retinal Health: The phenomenon of flashes of light, often described as "photopsia," can be associated with vitreous detachment, where the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina. While this is common, it can sometimes indicate more serious conditions like retinal tears or detachments. If you are experiencing new or increased flashes, especially after recent surgery, it is crucial to have a thorough examination by an eye care professional. The fact that a retinal tear was not detected during your previous examination could be due to the dynamic nature of vitreous changes; these can develop over time and may not be present during initial assessments.

4. Stem Cell Research and Retinal Treatment: The application of stem cells in treating retinal diseases is an exciting area of research, particularly for conditions like AMD and retinal dystrophies. However, the use of stem cells for retinal repair is still largely experimental and not yet widely available in clinical practice. Current treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing further degeneration rather than reversing existing damage.

5. Impact of Weather on Eye Health: Fluctuating weather conditions can indeed affect eye comfort and health. Changes in humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure can lead to dry eyes or exacerbate existing conditions. If you are experiencing discomfort around the eyes, it may be beneficial to use lubricating eye drops and ensure that your environment is conducive to eye health. Additionally, if you notice persistent discomfort or changes in vision, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional.

In summary, while retinal degeneration can be concerning, understanding the nature of your symptoms and the available treatment options can empower you to take proactive steps in managing your eye health. Regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being vigilant about any new symptoms are essential components of effective eye care.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Retinal Degeneration: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Tips

1. Retinal degeneration refers to the deterioration of the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for converting light into visual signals. This condition can progress over time, and in some cases, it may lead to severe vision loss or blindn...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Retinal degeneration refers to the aging and thinning of the retina. Individuals with high myopia experience elongation of the eyeball axis, which can lead to premature aging of the internal structures of the eye. Retinal degeneration is one of the more severe changes...

Understanding Retinal Degeneration: Symptoms, Risks, and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I have high myopia with a left eye prescription of -1075 degrees (astigmatism -150) and a right eye prescription of -1100 degrees (astigmatism -175). I also have dry eye syndrome and floaters, as well as retinal degeneration (there is a retinal tear in my left eye t...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
Night blindness, aside from being caused by nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin A deficiency), is mostly related to genetics or hereditary factors, which is why it often manifests from a young age and is less common in older individuals. For your reference, if you experienc...

Latest Effective Treatments for Retinal Pigmentary Degeneration

Are there any new effective treatments for retinitis pigmentosa available today?

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology
Hello, regarding the retinal pigment degeneration you mentioned, there are many factors that contribute to this condition, and it can be classified into various clinical categories. For example, primary retinal pigmentary degeneration, also known as night blindness, is a group of...

Understanding Retinal Degeneration: Impact on Vision and Prevention Strategies

Hello, Doctor Gao. 1. Floaters are due to vitreous degeneration. What issues are associated with retinal degeneration? Will it affect vision? Will it continue to degenerate? Is there a way to prevent it from degenerating? Last time the doctor examined me and mentioned that it w...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, the definition of retinal degeneration is broad; it can be physiological or due to pathological factors, and it may not always progress. In the absence of specific factors, maintaining general eye care is sufficient.