Non surgical treatment for prevention of recurring retinal detachments

[Fernando529]

Someone must know about the composition of the connective tissue of the retina and have ideas about nutrition that strengthens it to prevent recurring tears.. LIke glucosamine for joints.  Anyone?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

lutean and zeaxanthin may help reduce the resk of macular degeneration but will do nothing for retinal detachment or tears or glaucoma.
JCH MD

[mike230]

I currently take 6 mg. of ultra zeaxanthin made by solarray.  This has all the nutrients the retina and macular needs.  This is an organic supplement

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I don't believe there is any relationship to menopause or hormone replacement therapy and RD. It's incidental as both become more common as a woman ages.

JCH MD

[kansasmam]

My RD this year occurred during prime menopause year with many hot flashes. I also experienced a cholesterol embolism and lost part of my field of vision due to that. My question is, could the aging of tissues due to low estrogen levels be part of the problem?  maybe I could help myself prevent further problems by taking low-dose estrogen, which I have so far resisted. Any research on this?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[Judily]

Yes, it's not the retina's fault, it's the vitreous pulling on it that tears the retina away. The vitreous humour, by the way, contains the second highest concentration of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant as well as being necessary for the formation of collagen. I don't know whether upping your vitamin C intake would help.

Judily.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

I don't think that is a promising avenue to prevent RD at all. RDs occur because the retina tears, not because of abnormal connective tissue, but because of traction on the retina and second because of the way the eye forms the sensory retina is not firmly bound to the other layers.

JCH MD