What Is Retinal Vasculitis (RV)?

Retinal vasculitis (RV) is a condition marked by inflammation in the blood vessels of the retina. While not typically painful, it can lead to vision loss. Some cases of RV are associated with inflammatory or infectious diseases elsewhere in the body, while others are localised to the eye.

Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of blood vessels, the cause of which is often unknown. Blood vessels, responsible for delivering blood throughout the body, include veins (which carry blood to the heart), arteries (which carry blood from the heart to the body), and capillaries (which connect veins and arteries). Inflammation usually occurs as a result of injury, infection, or an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, as is the case with retinal vasculitis.

Types and Causes of Retinal Vasculitis:

Retinal vasculitis can be classified as either primary or secondary. 

- Primary Retinal Vasculitis: This occurs when the immune system specifically targets the body’s blood vessels. It can affect only the eye or blood vessels in other parts of the body as well. Primary RV may have no identifiable cause, but certain conditions directly lead to this type of vasculitis. These include:

 - Uveitis: Inflammation of the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid.

 - Frosted Branch Angiitis: A rare condition causing inflammation throughout the retina, resulting in white sheaths around blood vessels.

 - Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, and Neuroretinitis (IRVAN): A rare inflammatory disorder causing vasculitis, abnormal artery widening, and optic nerve inflammation.

 - Pars Planitis: An idiopathic inflammatory condition, typically seen in children and teens, affecting the middle part of the eye.

- Secondary Retinal Vasculitis: This type occurs when blood vessels become inflamed due to another condition. Causes can be localised to the eye or systemic, affecting the entire body. Some local causes include:

 - Ocular Sarcoidosis: A chronic condition that can affect any part of the eye, often associated with granulomas (clusters of white blood cells) around affected tissue.

 - Birdshot Chorioretinopathy: A chronic form of uveitis causing lesions in the fundus (back part of the eye) and possibly leading to severe vision loss.

 - Necrotic Herpetic Retinopathies: Conditions caused by herpetic viruses that damage the retina, requiring immediate medical attention.

 - Toxoplasmic Retinochoroiditis: Inflammation caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii.

 - Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis (DUSN): A parasitic infection caused by roundworms that leads to retinal lesions and inflammation.

Systemic causes of secondary RV include conditions such as:

 - Primary Intraocular Lymphoma: A rare cancer affecting the eye, related to central nervous system lymphoma.

 - Behçet’s Disease: A chronic condition causing widespread vasculitis.

 - Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system, including the optic nerves.

 - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease causing widespread tissue damage, including in the eyes.

 - Spondyloarthritis: A group of conditions causing spine and joint inflammation, often associated with the HLA B27 marker.

 - Tuberculosis: An infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other areas, including the retina.

 - Syphilis, Lyme Disease, and Viral Infections: Infections that can lead to ocular complications.

Signs and Symptoms of Retinal Vasculitis:

The signs of RV often reflect its underlying cause and can guide a physician towards a diagnosis. Common signs include:

- Perivascular Sheathing: Inflammatory cells surrounding blood vessels, often seen in conditions like Eales’ disease or multiple sclerosis.

- Intraretinal Infiltrates: Collections of inflammatory cells and dead tissue within the retina, potentially causing retinal deterioration.

- Cotton Wool Spots: Small areas of retinal damage that appear as white-yellow clouds.

- Retinal Necrosis: Tissue death within the retina, commonly associated with infectious diseases.

- Frosted Branch Angiitis: A condition where inflammatory cells coat retinal blood vessels, making them resemble frosted tree branches.

- Retinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the retina, leading to cell death.

While retinal vasculitis can be asymptomatic, common symptoms include vision loss without pain, blurred vision, flashes, floaters, blind spots, altered colour vision, and visual distortions.

Stages of Retinal Vasculitis:

Retinal vasculitis progresses through four stages:

1. Inflammation Stage: Active inflammation in the retina’s blood vessels, possibly causing retinal swelling (edema) or hemorrhage.

2. Ischemic Stage: Blood vessels may become thin or twisted due to occlusion, reducing blood flow to the retina.

3. Neovascularization Stage: Abnormal new blood vessels form, leading to inflammation, scarring, and potential vision loss.

4. Complications Stage: Irreversible damage occurs, including vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and retinal scarring, which can lead to increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

At Sanjeevan Netralaya Ayurvedic Eye Hospital, Retinal Vasculitis (RV) is treated with great success.

Retinal Vasculitis Ayurvedic Treatment at Sanjeevan Netralaya Ayurvedic Eye Hospital

Retinal Vasculitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to vision impairment and other serious complications.

At Sanjeevan NetralayaAyurvedic Eye Hospital, we offer specialized Ayurvedic Treatment designed to manage Retinal Vasculitis and support overall retinal health.

Our Ayurvedic Treatment for Retinal Vasculitis takes a holistic approach to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and promote natural healing. We combine traditional Ayurvedic remedies with modern techniques to enhance overall eye health and address the condition effectively.

Key components of our treatment include:

• Herbal Formulations: Utilizing proprietary Ayurvedic herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and vascular-supporting properties to reduce inflammation and support the health of the retinal blood vessels.

• Enhanced Circulation: Improving blood flow to the retina to aid in reducing damage and support the healing process.

• Holistic Care: Offering guidance on dietary adjustments, stress management, and other lifestyle factors that are essential for maintaining optimal retinal health and preventing recurrence.

At Sanjeevan Netralaya, our experienced Ayurvedic practitioners customize the Retinal Vasculitis Ayurvedic Treatment to meet the specific needs of each patient. This personalized approach ensures effective management of the condition and supports long-term retinal health.

If you are seeking a natural and comprehensive solution for Retinal Vasculitis, Sanjeevan Netralaya Ayurvedic Eye Hospital provides the expert care you need. Contact us today to learn more about our Ayurvedic Treatment for Retinal Vasculitis and take the first step towards improving your vision and overall eye health.