Vitreous destruction is a very dangerous problem, which if untreated leads to deterioration and even complete loss of vision.
To begin with, it is worth noting that the vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the inner cavity of the eyeball. It not only gives shape to the eye, but is also responsible for the refraction of light and its transmission to the retina, and also provides turgor and tissue elasticity. That is why any change in it directly affects the state of the visual analyzer.
What is vitreous destruction?
Destruction refers to any changes in the structure, composition and shape of the vitreous. As a rule, such a phenomenon has an age-related character - by the age of 50-60, slow destructive processes begin. But sometimes the disease appears at an earlier and even childhood age - the help of a specialist is already needed here. So what changes can happen?
- The most common form of destruction is considered to be partial or complete liquefaction of the vitreous body. In such cases, voids begin to form inside, which are gradually filled with liquids, fibers, protein strands - these elements can freely float in the substance of the vitreous body, causing visual impairment.
- Vitreous destruction can be accompanied by the deposition of crystals of tyrosine, cholesterol or other substances.
- The most severe form of the disease is considered to be wrinkling of the vitreous body. In such cases, the substance begins to gradually contract, pulling vitreoretinal ligaments. Quite often, in this state, detachment of the vitreous from the retina is observed, as well as ruptures of ligaments, hemorrhages and other dangerous phenomena. It is very important to consult a doctor on time, since damage to the retina can lead to irreversible pathologies.
Why does vitreous destruction occur?
In fact, the causes of this disease are not always clear. It is only known that destruction can be caused by any factor that can disrupt the physicochemical properties and equilibrium in the colloidal solution of the vitreous gel. These include inflammatory processes and some infectious diseases of the eyes, as well as violations in the functioning of the endocrine glands, liver, kidneys and other organs. Sometimes the condition of the eyeball can be affected by a bad habit, the wrong way of life, the constant exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Vitreous destruction: diagnosis and treatment
To get started, contact an experienced ophthalmologist. As a rule, in order to make a final diagnosis, the doctor should examine the fundus, do some laboratory tests and do an ultrasound scan. Only then will he determine not only the presence of the disease, but also the stage of its development. Today, there are several treatment methods for destruction:
- If there is no serious threat to vision, the doctor will prescribe vitamins and some stimulant medications.
- Remember that with such a disease you need to adhere to an exclusively healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits and regularly undergo examinations.
- If the condition of the eyeball is more serious, the doctor may prescribe a vitrectomy - this is a surgical treatment method, the essence of which is to partially excise the vitreous body and fill the free space with a special solution. If the destruction affected the state of other elements of the eye, then they also need treatment - for example, sometimes it is necessary to transplant an artificial lens of the eye.
Today there is a safer and more painless technique - vitreolysis. With the help of a laser beam, a doctor destroys third-party particles and fibers floating inside, without violating the integrity of the vitreous body. Unfortunately, this technique is not too common and is carried out only in some specialized clinics.