Retinal Diseases

Retinal Diseases

1. What Is Retina?
2. What Are Retinal Diseases?

• • Retinal Detachments
  • Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa
  • Macular Hole
  • Retinal Tumor

What Is Retina?

The retina is a layer at the back of the eye receiving the light containing the cells sensitive to the light. It is one of the most important components of the internal structure of the eye. The retina contains photoreceptors (light-sensing cells), nerve cells, and supportive tissues that are essential for vision function. The retina is a thin layer that starts at the point where light is perceived by the eye, and it extends to the back of the eye. It is supported and provided oxygen by other structures in the eye. The retina also contains rods and cones that are light-sensitive cells. The rods function when there is low light and ensure night vision.

Cones, on the other hand, function when there is brighter light and ensure colorful and sharp vision. The retina allows light to be transmitted to the brain via the optic nerves. After light is perceived by photoreceptors in the retina, it is converted into nerve signals. These nerve signals are processed by other cells of the retina, which are made up of neural plexus, and are transmitted to the optic nerve along the nerve fibers on the retina.The optic nerve then carries these signals to the brain, where the processing and interpretation of vision takes place.

The retina is the fundamental structural and functional unit of vision. Therefore, damage or diseases in the retina can cause vision loss. For instance, retinal tears, detachments or degenerative conditions can affect the retinal function and cause serious vision problems. Taking care of eye health and having regular eye examinations are important for maintaining the retinal health.

What Are Retinal Diseases?

• Retinal Tear and Detachment

Retinal detachment is the separation of the retinal layer from its normal location inside the eye. This may occur due to fluid accumulation or a tear under the retinal layer. Retinal detachment is an emergency and requires urgent medical intervention as it can cause vision loss.

• Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that develops due to damage and degeneration in macular region of the retina. The macula is also known as the part located in the center of the eye and responsible for clear vision. The AMD is a disease that usually occurs in elderly and is one of the most common causes of age-related vision loss.

• Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that develops due to diabetes. High blood glucose levels cause long-term damage in the retinal layer. The retina is the layer of cells located at the back of the wall inside the eye, which detects light and transmits images to the brain.

• Retinal Vein Occlusion

Retinal vein occlusion is a condition that occurs as a result of occlusion or stenosis of blood vessels in the retinal layer. The retina is the layer of light-sensing cells located inside the eye. The retina ensures that oxygen and nutrients are received through blood vessels and images are transmitted to the brain.

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic eye disease causing vision loss over time. It is characterized by the involvement of the tissue at the back of the eye called the retina. RP is mostly inherited and often passed from parents to children.

• Macular Hole

A macular hole is a condition that develops in an area called the macula, located in the central visual field of the eye. The macula is a small area on the retina, which is important for clear vision and the ability to perceive details. A macular hole occurs when a small portion of the macula is torn or punctured.

• Retinal Tumor

A retinal tumor is an abnormal cell growth that develops in the tissue at the back of the eye called the retina. The retina is the layer of the eye that perceives images and transmits them to the brain.