What is the retina?
Your retina is a film that covers the back portion of your eye. It’s covered in photoreceptor cells that transform light into electric signals. Those signals are processed and transported to your brain, which converts the signals into the images that make up your experience of vision.
Your cornea and the lens within each eye focuses light onto your retina. The central portion of your retina is the macula.
In order for your retina to do its job it needs to be properly nourished by a series of tiny blood vessels. It also needs to remain attached to the inside portion of the back of your eye.
What are retinal diseases?
Many things can threaten proper retinal function. Some of the more common retinal diseases include:
Retinal tear
This occurs when the clear gel-like vitreous in the middle of your eye shrinks and pulls your retina partially away from the back of your eye.
Retinal detachment
This occurs when fluid gathers under your retina, causing it to lift off the tissues that bind it to the back of your eye.
Diabetic retinopathy
Men and women with diabetes often have damaged capillaries in the rear portion of the eye. If those vessels leak fluid around your retina swelling can result or abnormal new capillaries can develop.
Macular degeneration
This occurs when the middle portion of your retina starts to deteriorate.
Macular hole
An eye injury or abnormal traction between your retina and vitreous can create a small hole in the central portion of your macula.
This is just a partial list. There are many conditions that can affect your retinal health, some of which are more common than others.
What are some symptoms of retinal disease?
Any time you notice changes in your vision or any form of eye discomfort you should schedule an exam. Some of the indications of retinal disease include:
- Blurred vision
- Perceiving straight lines as wavy
- Flashes of light in your side vision
- Floaters, or floating bright spots that seem to move across your eye
- Sensation of a curtain closing across a portion of your eye
A complete eye exam can help your specialist determine the cause of your symptoms and devise a customized treatment plan.
What are the causes of retinal disease?
A number of things can cause problems in your retina. Some of the more common causes include:
- Aging
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection
- Traumatic injury
- Genetic factors
- Systemic disease like diabetes or high blood pressure
Many retinal problems can be treated in a way that slows, stops, or repairs damage. The best way to counter these problems is to be proactive, which includes scheduling routine eye and diagnostic exams if you notice changes in your vision. Book your visit today, online or by phone.
