What is the specialization of the myRetina model ophthalmology centre?;

myRetina is a fully specialized ophthalmological center in Athens, with the main field of action being vitreoretinal and retinal surgery.

Who runs the myRetina ophthalmology centre?;

The clinic operates under the direction of the experienced Ophthalmic Surgeon Efstratios V. Gozzarides.

Where is the myRetina centre and how can I contact it?;

Our center is located in the center of Athens, at 66 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (P.O. Box 11528). You can contact us by phone at 2107212200 or by email at info@myretina.gr.

The human eye is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation within a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nanometers. This range is commonly referred to as visible light. When all wavelengths within this range are “mixed,” we get white light. White light, when passed through a prism, can produce all the colors that “make it up.” However, red, green, and blue are the primary colors for humans because they cannot be produced by mixing other colors, as is the case with the rest. If we mix exactly equal amounts of red, green, and blue, the result is white. However, in addition to the primary colors, there are also complementary colors. Complementary colors result from mixing the primary colors in pairs. These are yellow, cyan (light blue), and magenta (purple), which have the characteristic that if they are also mixed in pairs, the primary colors result. For example, while mixing equal amounts of green and red gives us yellow, mixing yellow and purple in equal amounts gives us red. Let’s now see how the color of objects is affected by the color of the light falling on them. We have a playing card, a bunch of blue grapes, and a green pepper. We illuminate these three objects in turn with white, red, green, and blue light. In white light, we see all three objects as we expect to see them: the playing card white, the grapes blue, and the pepper green. Under red light, the playing card reflects all the radiation it receives. In contrast, the other two objects absorb most of the radiation and reflect only a little, so they are not clearly distinguishable, and the dominant color is black. In the green light, the playing card appears green, but the symbols on it are black, which means that the green light was reflected by the white part of the card but absorbed by the red symbols. The blue grape “reacts” in a similar way when red light is shone on it, while the pepper retains its color but has some areas that are more intensely green. These areas glowed in white light. Similar phenomena are observed with blue radiation. The playing card is now blue with black symbols, the grape retains its color, while the pepper is predominantly black with some areas appearing blue. The human eye is very sensitive to color shades and is likely capable of distinguishing 8–12 million shades. Most colors contain some amount of all wavelengths in the visible spectrum. What makes colors different is the distribution of wavelengths within a given color. The dominant wavelengths of a color ultimately determine its hue. If certain wavelengths are much more dominant than the rest, the color of an object will be vivid, whereas if these wavelengths are roughly equal in quantity, the color will be muted, dull. Whether an object’s color appears bright or not is determined by the object’s reflectivity and the intensity of the color. Most of what we have discussed so far has had to do with the properties of visible light in relation to specific colors. However, the images of our daily lives—the objects we see—are the result of white light reflecting off objects, such as houses, cars, trees, and so on. These objects do not emit light, of course, but they obey a property that states that some of the wavelengths (or, in other words, some colors) of white light are absorbed by the objects and others are reflected. A blue car, for example, under sunlight absorbs all colors and reflects blue. This is how it appears “colored” to our eyes. Color photographs, a painting, and other objects characterized by color are actually produced using only four inks. These inks include the three primary colors—cyan, magenta, and yellow—plus black. If these inks are mixed in the right proportions, they can produce any color. In theory, the three primary colors are sufficient, but in practice, we also need black to achieve the right shades each time. When printing a book or magazine, the following process is followed: We photograph an object. The photograph is first separated into the three (in the appropriate quantities, of course) complementary colors using certain photographic methods or a computer. The three colors are converted into film of the corresponding colors. The film is the medium that allows the object to be printed on paper. So, to print an object, we need three films plus black for better shading.

Pregnancy is a milestone in the physiology of the female body. Many things change—some temporarily, others permanently. In this context, the ocular system undergoes changes, and it is important to understand whether these changes are normal and expected. Changes in the body’s hormones and immune system can lead to changes that are predictable and reversible. For example, increased pigmentation may appear around the eyes, and the conjunctiva may appear slightly swollen. The same can be observed in the corneas, causing them to become slightly more curved, which results in a change in refractive status. These changes should be monitored without refractive correction, as in most cases the condition returns to its previous state within a few weeks after delivery. Intraocular pressure also fluctuates, typically dropping after the 20th week of gestation and returning to normal approximately two months after childbirth. Also noteworthy is the narrowing of the visual field that sometimes occurs. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is currently unknown, but it requires attention if accompanied by symptoms. In any case, however, monitoring is important to avoid unpleasant situations. Let’s not forget that a wide range of medical conditions may lie behind a narrowing of the visual field. When the mother has pre-existing medical conditions, it is possible for these conditions to become unstable and worsen. Among the most significant conditions at risk of worsening is diabetic retinopathy. If the condition is in the non-progressive stage, then quarterly follow-up with an ophthalmologist is necessary. However, if it is in the progressive stage, then checkups should be monthly. The presence of macular edema also requires monitoring, but in most cases it appears to subside after delivery, along with proteinuria and hypertension. Among other conditions that may cause dysregulation, we should highlight adenomas, toxoplasmosis, and autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease. It is useful to remember that migraines often make their presence strongly felt during pregnancy, as these patients often visit ophthalmology clinics fearing that an eye disease is the cause of their headaches. In contrast to this worsening, some conditions show improvement during pregnancy, as it appears that the body mobilizes its defenses for the benefit of the new life developing in the womb. Thus, even cases of multiple sclerosis show stabilization or even improvement during pregnancy. In addition to the worsening of pre-existing conditions, new ophthalmic problems may also arise during these 9 months. Hypertensive retinopathy and severe eclampsia can cause serious problems, while optic neuropathies and retinal detachments are not uncommon. Finally, we should also mention the use of medications that may be taken for eye problems during pregnancy. Although the effect of many medications on the fetus is unknown or statistically low, it is advisable to administer any medication with caution and sparingly. Extra caution is needed both during pregnancy—since certain substances are absorbed and cross the placenta— as well as during the breastfeeding period, because drug components can easily pass into breast milk. In general, local anesthetics, steroids, and antispasmodics should be administered with caution, while mydriatics should be used only when deemed necessary for occasional use; beta-blockers—which should be discontinued before delivery and during breastfeeding—and prostaglandins. Antibiotics, antivirals, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors should be avoided. Keep in mind, however, that every case is different.

To better understand vitreous and retinal abnormalities, we must first examine how vision works. In order for a person to see, a light source is required. Without light, everything is black. Light produces particles called photons, which reflect off solid objects in all directions before finally reaching the eye. In order for us to see clearly, the tissue must be transparent so that photons can pass through easily. First, as they travel toward the eye, they pass through the cornea, which is located at the front of the eye. Next, they pass through the crystalline lens behind the pupil. Next, they pass through the vitreous humor in the center of the eye. Finally, they reach the retina, which is like the film in a camera. They stop at the retinal pigment epithelium, where the nerve impulses originate. These impulses travel directly to the optic nerve and then along the optic nerve pathways before reaching the occipital lobe of the brain, where the image is formed. Through this process, we perceive the world around us.

The eyes are organs of vision that perceive light. Different types of light-sensitive organs have been found in various animals. The simplest eyes do nothing more than detect whether surrounding objects are dark or light, while more sophisticated eyes can distinguish shapes and colors. The fields of view of some sophisticated eyes overlap, allowing for better depth perception (binocular vision), as in humans, while others are positioned to minimize overlap, as in hares and chameleons. Anatomy of the Eye Anterior Chamber: The cavity at the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea, is called the anterior chamber. It is filled with aqueous humor, a water-like fluid. This fluid is produced by the ciliary body and drains back into the bloodstream through pores at the angle of the anterior chamber. The aqueous humor is recycled every 100 minutes. The cavity at the front of the eye, between the lens and the cornea, is called the anterior chamber. It is filled with aqueous humor, a water-like fluid. This fluid is produced by the ciliary body and drains back into the bloodstream through pores at the angle of the anterior chamber. The aqueous humor is recycled every 100 minutes. Anterior Chamber Angle: Located at the junction of the cornea, the iris, and the sclera. The anterior chamber angle extends 360 degrees around the perimeter of the iris. Pores allow the aqueous humor to drain into the bloodstream from the eye. Ciliary Body: An anatomical structure located behind the iris (very difficult to see) that produces the aqueous humor which fills the anterior chamber of the eye, thereby maintaining intraocular pressure. It also allows the lens to focus and adjust. Conjunctiva: A thin, usually transparent membrane located on top of the sclera. The sclera is the white wall of the eye, or the white part of the eye. The conjunctiva also lines the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctival cells produce mucus, which helps lubricate the eye. Cornea: The transparent, outer «window» and the eye’s primary focusing element. The outer layer of the cornea is known as the epithelium. Its main purpose is to protect the eye. The epithelium is made up of clear cells that can regenerate quickly. The inner layer of the cornea is also made of transparent tissue, which allows light to pass through. Vitreous Canal: A narrow channel that extends from the optic disc to the posterior surface of the lens. It serves an embryonic function before birth but has no function afterward and usually disappears. Iris: Inside the anterior chamber is the iris. It is a part of the eye responsible for a person’s eye color. It functions like the aperture of a camera, dilating (mydriasis) and constricting (miosis) the pupil to allow more or less light into the eye. Pupil: The dark opening in the center of the colored iris that controls the amount of light entering the eye. The colored iris functions like the aperture of a camera, opening and closing to control the amount of light entering through the pupil. Lens: The part of the eye located just behind the iris that focuses light rays precisely onto the retina. In people under 40, the lens is soft and flexible, allowing for good focus at different distances. In people over 40, the lens begins to lose its flexibility, making it more difficult to focus on objects close to the eye. This is called presbyopia. Macula: The part of the retina that is most sensitive and is responsible for central vision. It is located near the optic nerve, at the very back of the eye. This area is also responsible for color vision. Optic Disc: The area at the back of the eye where the nerves, along with the artery and vein, enter the eye. This entry point corresponds to the «blind spot,» as there are no cones or rods in this area. Normally, a person is not aware of this blind spot, as rapid eye movements help the brain receive stimuli from other parts of the retina around the blind spot, which fill in the «gap.» The optic disc is the area that an ophthalmologist examines in patients with glaucoma when the optic nerve begins to atrophy due to increased intraocular pressure. On funduscopic examination, a cupping of the optic nerve head is observed, which is called optic cupping. Optic Nerve: The optic nerve is the structure that receives information from the retina in the form of electrical signals and transmits it to the brain, where this information is converted into a visual image. The optic nerve consists of a bundle of approximately one million nerve fibers. Retina: The membrane located at the back of the eye that contains the photoreceptors. The photoreceptors respond to the presence and intensity of light, sending the stimulus to the brain via the optic nerve. In the brain, a multitude of nerve impulses received from the photoreceptors of the retina are converted into an image. Sclera: The white, tough outer layer of the eye. Few conditions affect this layer. It is covered by the episclera (a fibrous layer between the conjunctiva and the sclera) and the conjunctiva. The extraocular muscles are attached to it. Vitreous Body: It is a gel-like substance that fills the interior of the eye. It is normally clear. Initially, it is firmly attached to the retina. Over the years, the vitreous liquefies and may detach from the retina. Often, small clumps or strands of the vitreous cause symptoms of shadows known as myopsia (floaters). Most of the time, this is a benign symptom, but they can also be early signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment and must be thoroughly examined by an ophthalmologist.

Are you expecting or planning to have a baby? Consultation with an ophthalmologist is essential for all expectant mothers with myopia; they should visit an ophthalmologist at least twice:at the beginning of pregnancy and before giving birth...! If vision problems exist or are detected, special attention should be paid during preparations for childbirth. For this reason, the expectant mother should not neglect to visit an ophthalmologist in addition to her gynecologist. Pregnancy is directly linked to hormonal changes, the effects of which vary from person to person! The eyes are one of the organs that can be affected by these changes. Women who wear contact lenses sometimes find that they feel uncomfortable wearing them during pregnancy. If this happens, try wearing your glasses and go back to using contact lenses after your pregnancy is over. Sometimes, vision may worsen at the onset of pregnancy. However, because women tend to be more «alert» during pregnancy, their perception of a decline in vision may be mistaken. Nevertheless, sometimes their fears turn out to be well-founded. When making a diagnosis, ophthalmologists examine the degree of refraction— that is, their eyeglass prescription and whether it has changed, as well as the condition of the retina to detect any degenerative changes or holes. The goal is to prevent any bleeding or tears and to keep the eyes in good condition. To this end, ophthalmologists also examine the back of the eye and measure intraocular pressure. – Any vascular disorders can cause spots (floaters) to appear in your vision. This isn’t always a cause for concern, but it’s a good idea to mention it to your doctor, as it may be a sign of a retinal abnormality. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get checked to make sure everything is okay. Pregnancy and the Retina: The retina is the most vulnerable part of the visual system during pregnancy. The retina is a thin layer of neural tissue at the back of the eye that absorbs light. It is a complex structure. The thin layer of light-sensitive cells—photoreceptors—is its main component. The retina is responsible for perceiving the image, which is projected onto the retinal layer through the cornea and the crystalline lens, and for converting it into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. The main problems associated with the retina are dystrophy, retinal holes, and retinal detachment. To protect expectant mothers from potential eye complications during pregnancy, ophthalmologists recommend a general eye exam and, specifically, a retinal exam between the 10th and 14th weeks of pregnancy, regardless of vision status up to that point. If no problems are found, the next exam can be scheduled much later, shortly before the due date, for example between weeks 32 and 36. However, if you are nearsighted, then it would be a good idea, according to ophthalmologists, to have your vision checked more frequently, since a woman’s entire body changes during pregnancy—and so do her eyes. For this reason, the visual system requires special attention from the expectant mother! What will childbirth be like? Every woman with eye problems faces the following question: whether she can give birth vaginally or if she’ll need a C-section. There is no simple answer to this question; it depends on several factors, such as the fundus and the retina, the pregnant woman’s overall health, her age, and so on. A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and the uterus. The health risk to a woman from a cesarean section is approximately 12 times greater than that of a vaginal delivery. For this reason, this procedure is recommended only when deemed necessary—that is, in cases where a vaginal birth is not possible or is considered dangerous for the mother and the baby. Unfortunately, many of the cases in which a cesarean section is recommended are due to retinal dystrophy. The risk of retinal detachment in women with high myopia or other abnormalities in the fundus increases significantly during the process of vaginal delivery due to fluctuationsin blood pressure and intraocular pressure during the pushing stage. Modern medicine can prevent degenerative changes in the retina and manage the risks of retinal detachment through prophylactic laser photocoagulation. This procedure creates adhesions in the retina at weak points and around holes. Healing occurs at the laser treatment sites on the retina, providing a secure attachment of the retina to the choroid. This procedure can be performed at any time before pregnancy or during pregnancy up to the 35th week. The condition of the retina is not always related to the degree of myopia. Often, a high degree of myopia does not affect the retina, which remains satisfactorily stable, without tears or changes. Conversely, a low degree of myopia can cause problems in the fundus. So, if you’re planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, you should have an eye exam. Keep in mind that early treatment to strengthen the retina can reduce the likelihood of a cesarean section!!!

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