What is Eales Disease?
Eales disease, an idiopathic, rare vascular disorder affecting primarily the retina, is characterized by inflammation and retinal vessels occlusions. It was first recognized in 1880 by British ophthalmologist Henry Eales. Mostly affects young men from India, Pakistan and South Asia.
Though the exact cause of this condition is unknown, genetic predisposition and vascular abnormalities are believed to be involved. Early diagnosis and treatment are possible by recognizing symptoms like blurred vision, floaters, and peripheral vision loss.
What are the symptoms Eales Disease?
The symptoms of Eales disease vary from person to person and usually develop gradually. Here are some of the most common symptoms of Eales disease.
* Blurred vision: Eales disease can be characterized by blurriness, or reduced visual acuity. Affected individuals may have difficulty focusing on objects and perceive them as blurry.
Floaters - These are tiny specks, or web-like structures, which appear to float in your field of vision. They can be dark or transparent and interfere with clear visibility. These floaters drift as the eyes shift.
* Loss in Peripheral Vision - Eales disease can cause a gradual loss of peripheral vision. This is commonly known as "tunnel vision". Affected individuals will notice that their field of vision is drastically reduced and their ability to view objects with side vision has been greatly diminished.
* Visual Field Defects : As the disease progresses certain areas of your visual field can become blurred or distorted. This may appear as dark spots or patches in your vision.
* Vitreous Hemorrhage : Eales Disease can cause bleeding in the gel-like vitreous that fills your center eye. This may result in a sudden and significant loss of vision, causing a dark, shadowy look to the vision.
* Retinal detachment: Eales disease can increase the risk of retinal detached, where the retina separates from the supporting tissue, and is no longer able to perceive vision. Untreated retinal detachment may cause permanent vision loss. Symptoms include flashes or the feeling of a curtain or veil covering a part of your visual field, or an increase in floaters. Medical intervention is required immediately to prevent permanent vision loss.
It is important to note that not all people with Eales disease experience the same symptoms. Symptoms can vary in severity and progression. Some may experience only mild problems, while others may experience severe visual impairment. If any of these symptoms occur, it's important to seek medical advice. An eye care professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and management solutions.
What causes Eales Disease?
Eales disease is classified as an idiopathic condition, but the cause of it remains unknown. It is believed that multiple factors contribute to the development of Eales disease, including:
* Vascular Abnormalities - Eales disease causes abnormal changes in the retinal blood vessels. These changes include inflammation, narrowing of vessels (vasculitis), and formation of new fragile blood vessels (neovascularization). These vascular abnormalities are thought to play a major role in the development of this disease, but its cause is still unknown.
* Genetics. No specific gene mutations have yet been associated with Eales. However, genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility. Certain genetic factors may make some individuals more susceptible to Eales. To establish definitive links, more research is needed.
* Environmental factors: It has been suggested that exposure to toxins and infections could trigger Eales disease. Some studies have shown an association between tuberculosis and Eales.
These factors have been identified as potential causes of Eales disease. However, none has yet to be proven conclusively. Eales disease is likely caused by a combination of genetic predispositions, vascular anomalies and environmental influences. It is necessary to conduct more research to identify its specific causes and understand the underlying mechanisms.
