What is Treatment of Retinal Lesion Overview, Benefits and Expected Results

Retinal lesions are structural changes in the eye caused by retinal disease, injury, or other factors, and can have‌ a significant effect on the amount of vision, and the overall health of the eye. Treatment of retinal lesions is essential to preserve and restore‍ vision, and to restore normal retinal health. This article will discuss⁢ the overview, benefits, and expected results of treatment of retinal lesions.

Overview of Retinal Lesion Treatment

Retinal lesions can occur as a result of a retinal ⁢detachment or other injury to the eye. They may also be caused by a number of diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal dystrophies and ‌disorders. Treatment of retinal lesions involves restoring vision, restoring retinal health, and preventing or reducing the onset of vision-threatening complications.

Diagnosis ⁣of Retinal Lesions

Before beginning treatment, it is essential to accurately ​diagnose the type, size, and‌ location of the retinal lesion to guide the treatment plan. ⁤Diagnosis commonly⁢ involves a comprehensive eye exam, including ophthalmoscopy to view the back of the eye, plus various imaging ⁤tests such as OCT (optical coherence tomography) and FA (fluorescein angiography). These tests⁤ will help to determine the size and extent of the lesion,⁢ and to assess any retinal damage or changes in the blood vessels. This information is essential⁤ for guiding the ​treatment plan.

Types⁢ of Retinal Lesion Treatment

The type of retinal lesion treatment that is most effective will depend on the type, size, and location of the retinal lesion. For some types ​of retinal lesions, medical or surgical treatment may be beneficial.

Medical Treatment

Medical treatment of retinal⁤ lesions often involves medications such as corticosteroid injections to ‍reduce inflammation, or anti-VEGF or anti-angiogenic drugs to reduce retinal swelling or neovascularization. For lesion caused by macular degeneration,⁢ such as geographic atrophy, laser⁣ photocoagulation⁣ may be used to reduce the chances of retinal detachment or other complications.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment of retinal lesions is typically used when medical treatments are not effective or to⁢ prevent the onset of complications. Surgery may involve vitrectomy, which is the removal ‌of the vitreous gel,⁢ laser photodynamic therapy, which‍ involves the use of lasers to destroy abnormal blood vessels, or ⁣the removal of ​abnormal tissue. Surgery may also involve the injection of gas‌ into the eye to reduce retinal swelling or leakage.

Benefits of Retinal⁤ Lesion Treatment

The ⁤most important benefit ⁢of treating retinal lesions is to restore and preserve vision, and to prevent or reduce the onset of vision-threatening complications. Treatment can also restore retinal health ⁢and​ reduce the risk of future retinal‌ disease or injury.

Expected Results

The expected results of treatment of retinal lesions vary depending on⁣ the type of lesion, the size, and the severity. Medical treatments may be effective for some types⁢ of retinal lesions, but are generally not as effective as ⁣surgical treatments.



For many types of retinal lesions, surgical treatment is recommended to restore and preserve ⁤vision ⁤and retinal health. Surgery can provide ‌excellent results in most cases and is usually the most effective option for restoring and preserving vision. However, it is important to note that surgical ​results cannot be guaranteed and that the results may vary on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Treatment of retinal lesions is‌ essential to preserve and restore vision. ​Medical and ⁣surgical treatment options are available, and‍ the most effective option will depend on the ‍type, size, and ‍location of the retinal lesion. Benefits of treatment⁤ include restoring‍ and preserving⁤ vision, restoring retinal health, and​ reducing the risk of future retinal complications. While‌ surgical treatment can provide excellent results‌ for most ⁣retinal lesions,​ the results are not guaranteed and vary on a​ case-by-case⁢ basis.

Definition and Overview

Retinal lesions are tumours that form in the eyes. They are treated with radiation therapy.

The most common eye lesion is choroidal nevus, a benign growth that forms at the back of the eyes when pigment cells accumulate. Its development is associated with some systemic conditions, such as choroidal neurofibroma. Although it is believed to be congenital, it rarely affects children and is often diagnosed in adulthood.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Patients with macular lesions on the eye, lesions on the retina, or choroidal nevus should seek medical attention. Although choroidal nevus treatment is not always immediately necessary because the lesions are usually benign, it is important that patients undergo constant monitoring to ensure that their condition is not progressing. If the nevus is small and does not show signs of growth or other significant change, no treatment is recommended. However, it is continuously checked because there is a risk that it will develop into melanoma.

Studies show that one in every 500 cases of choroidal nevus of the eye become malignant within ten years. When this happens, patients may experience the following:

• Vision loss or decreasing vision

• Eye pain

• Retinal detachment

• Oedema

• Retinal whitening

• Haemorrhage

• Abnormal blood vessel growth

• Fluid leakage

• Papular rash

If a choroidal nevus is confirmed to be malignant, the patient has to undergo treatment as soon as possible. Seeking immediate medical attention provides the best chance of preserving their vision and preventing serious complications, such as metastatic melanoma.

Treatment, however, does not produce instant results. It may take between 3 and 6 months of treatment before the lesion is removed. In some cases, the growth does not completely disappear, leaving behind a benign residual lump.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Prior to undergoing any treatment for retinal lesions, various eye tests, such as photographic imaging, ultrasonography, and ocular coherence tomography, are performed. These tests are used to monitor the status of a detected choroidal nevus. Once treatment is prescribed, patients may undergo plaque radiation therapy. Also known as radioactive plaque therapy, this treatment uses a sealed device that delivers high doses of radiation directly to the tumour to avoid damaging the eye.

The device, which is called the plaque, is positioned over the tumour on the surface of the eyeball. It is implanted and removed while the patient is under sedation or local anaesthesia. Patients who undergo this therapy are expected to feel some pain and discomfort within 24-48 hours after the procedure. They are usually advised to stay in the hospital during this time and are provided with pain medications.

Possible Risks and Complications

Patients who undergo treatment of retinal lesion commonly experience the following:

• Pain and discomfort

• Mild headaches

• Itchy and red eyes

These symptoms may persist for around two weeks, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a week after being discharged from the hospital.

Although radiation therapy for retinal lesions is generally safe, patients still face a minimal risk of complications, such as:

• Treatment-related vision loss – Patients may experience blurring, dimming, or total vision loss in the affected eye depending on the size and location of the tumour.

• Radiation retinopathy

• Optic neuropathy

These, however, can be treated with anti-VEGF agents.

References:

• “Understanding Choroidal Nevi.” Ocular Melanoma Foundation. http://www.ocularmelanoma.org/choroidalnevus.htm

• Finger PT. “Small choroidal melanoma: To treat or not to treat, that is the question!” New York Eye Cancer Center. https://eyecancer.com/eye-cancer/research-articles/small-choroidal-melanoma-to-treat-or-not-to-treat-that-is-the-question/

• JI Hui et al. “Radioactive plaque therapy.” Int Ophthal Clin. 46(1), 51-68. Winter 2006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/articles/16365555/

• Finger PT. “Eye and vision sparing radiation therapy for intraocular tumors.” New York Eye Cancer Center. https://eyecancer.com/eye-cancer/treatments/eye-and-vision-sparing-radiation-therapy-for-intraocular-tumors/

• C Stannard, W Sauerwein, G Maree, K Lecuona. “Radiotherapy for ocular tumors.” Eye (2013) 27, 119-127. http://www.nature.com/eye/journal/v27/n2/full/eye2012241a.html

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