What is ‘Retinal Disease in Working Age’??
Retinal disease in working age refers to abnormalities of the retina occurring between the ages of approximately 25 – 55 years, which is a period of heavy eye use from working on computer screens, mobile phones, and high accumulated stress.
Although many people think retinal disease only occurs in the elderly, it is now increasingly found in working-age individuals, especially those with high myopia, diabetic patients, and those with a family history of retinal detachment.
Warning symptoms that should not be ignored If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately
- Seeing black floaters rapidly increasing
- Seeing flash-like lightning in the dark
- Seeing a dark shadow like a curtain blocking vision
- Distorted images, straight lines appear wavy
- Sudden blurred vision
These symptoms may be signs of retinal tear or detachment, which is an ophthalmic emergency.
Common retinal diseases in working age
1. Premature vitreous degeneration can occur from age 30 and above, especially in those with high myopia. If the vitreous pulls on the retina, it may cause tears.
2. Retinal tear/detachment caused by vitreous traction or trauma. Delayed treatment may result in permanent vision loss.
3. Diabetic retinopathy found in diabetic patients with poor blood sugar control. Early stages may have no symptoms but can damage the macula, cause bleeding inside the eye, and lead to blindness.
4. Retinal degeneration from high myopia People with myopia greater than -6.00 D have a higher risk than the general population.
Who should have regular retinal examinations??
- People with high myopia
- Diabetic or hypertensive patients
- Those with a family history of retinal detachment
- Anyone with even minor abnormal symptoms
Annual retinal examinations help reduce the risk of long-term vision loss.
How is the diagnosis done??
Retinal disease diagnosis is performed by an ophthalmologist using various methods such as:
- Retinal examination after dilating the pupil with eye drops
- Fundus photography
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) to view the details of the macula
The examination takes a short time and can detect abnormalities from the early stages.
Treatment guidelines Treatment depends on the type of disease
- Laser treatment to seal retinal tears
- Injections into the vitreous for macular edema or bleeding in the vitreous or retina
- Surgery in cases of retinal detachment
The earlier the treatment, the higher the chance of preserving vision.
How to prevent retinal disease in working age
- Eye health check-ups from age 35-40 and above, as early stages may have no symptoms; control blood sugar and blood pressure levels
- Control blood sugar, blood pressure, and chronic diseases
- Diabetic patients, even with good sugar control, need annual dilated retinal exams at least once a year
- Wear sunglasses
- Avoid rubbing eyes vigorously and avoid eye trauma
- Have regular eye health check-ups
Retinal disease in working age is increasingly common in the digital era. Observing abnormal symptoms and seeing a specialist ophthalmologist early is the key to preventing permanent vision loss.
