What is The Retina?
Though each part of your eye works together so that you can see, the retina may have the biggest job of all. The retina is a thin membrane in the back of your eye and it’s task is to pass incoming light rays to the brain through the optic nerve. Your brain then takes the light and deciphers it into images. The retina accomplishes this through a series of photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. The rods look for any movement, give you black and white vision, and help you see in low light settings. Cones handle central vision, color vision and help you see in medium to high light settings.
What Eye Conditions Can Affect the Retina?
If the retina becomes altered by disease, it can lead to problems with blurry or distorted vision, waviness, or permanent blindness. Some of the top conditions that can cause these sensations are as follows:
AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION
This retinal condition is a leading cause of vision loss in the U.S. In fact, 1 in 14 Americans age 40 or over have macular degeneration. As you age, this condition damages the macula, where your rods and cones are stored in the back of your eye. Symptoms range from blurred vision to blank spots as well as dim colored vision.
RETINAL TEAR
A retinal tear occurs when there is a break in the retina’s tissue, and can lead to retinal detachment, which can cause blindness if not treated properly. Though it can happen without cause, retinal tears also occur in conjunction with other eye conditions, especially nearsightedness. Symptoms of retinal tears are either flashes of light or floaters.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Metabolic conditions such as diabetes can have severe impacts on your vision, especially the health of your retina. Diabetic Retinopathy weakens the vessels to release fluid and blood into the surrounding tissue. Symptoms include floaters, blurry vision and damage to color vision as well as permanent blindness.
Come See Our Retinal Specialists
The retina is essential to your vision, and our retinal specialists, Dr. Robert Vogel and Dr. Golnaz Javey, are committed to helping you maintain good eye health through advanced treatments and technology. Schedule an appointment today!
