Understanding Retinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Retinitis is a condition where the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, becomes inflamed. This can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and even blind spots in your field of vision.
There are several different causes of retinitis, including:
1. Viral infections: Retinitis can be caused by viruses such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster. These viruses can infect the retina and cause inflammation.
2. Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections such as endophthalmitis (an infection inside the eye) can also cause retinitis.
3. Fungal infections: Fungal infections such as aspergillosis can cause retinitis, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
4. Parasitic infections: Some parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, can cause retinitis.
5. Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, retinitis can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the retina.
6. Trauma: Retinitis can also be caused by trauma to the eye, such as a blow to the head or a penetrating injury.
7. Tumors: Tumors in the eye, such as melanoma, can cause retinitis.
8. Blood vessel diseases: Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration can cause retinitis due to the weakening of blood vessels in the retina.

Retinitis can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a visual acuity test, dilated eye exam, and imaging tests such as fluorescein angiography or optical coherence tomography (OCT). Treatment for retinitis depends on the underlying cause and may include antiviral or antibacterial medications, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery. In some cases, retinitis can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of retinitis.