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The retina is the part of the eye that sends images to your brain. Located at the back of the eye, this thin layer of tissue is packed with millions of light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors.These cells capture light and convert it into electrical signals that are sent to the brain through the optic nerve. This process allows you to see the world around you in vivid detail and color.
The retina is essential for both central and peripheral vision. The central part of the retina, called the macula, is responsible for the sharp, detailed vision that you use for activities like reading, recognizing faces, and driving.The peripheral retina gives you your side vision and helps you detect motion and see in low-light conditions. Given its vital role in vision, maintaining the health of your retina is crucial.
Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and preservation of your vision.
The retina can be affected by various conditions that may impact your vision. Here are some of the most common retinal conditions:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. It occurs when the central part of the retina, the macula, begins to deteriorate.
Symptoms of AMD can include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and the need for brighter light when doing close-up work. While there’s no cure for AMD, early detection and management can help slow its progression.
At Community Eye Care Specialists, our eye doctors offer Macular Shield dietary supplements, which may help support macular health in patients with or at risk for AMD. These supplements contain specific vitamins and minerals that research has shown may be beneficial for eye health.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage these vessels, leading to vision problems.
Symptoms may include blurry vision, dark or empty areas in your vision, and vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial for diabetic patients to catch and manage this condition early.
Flashes appear as brief sparkles or lightning streaks in your vision, while floaters look like small dots or squiggly lines that seem to float across your vision. While these are often harmless and common with age, they can sometimes indicate more serious issues like retinal detachment.
If you experience a sudden increase in flashes or floaters, especially if accompanied by vision loss, it’s important to see your eye doctor right away, as this could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
Typically, the retina is firmly against the back of your eye. However, the retina can tear or be pulled from its normal position, which can cause blurred or loss of vision.
Retinal tears and detachments may require surgery, as they can lead to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, and a curtain-like shadow over your visual field.
Retinal detachment is a medical emergency.
If you experience these symptoms, see your eye doctor right away.
For patients with certain retinal conditions, such as wet AMD or diabetic retinopathy, regular eye injections may be necessary to manage their condition and preserve vision. At Community Eye Care Specialists, we understand that traveling long distances for frequent treatments can be challenging.
That’s why we offer retinal injection services right here in our clinic. Our experienced eye care professionals are trained to administer these injections safely and comfortably.
The most common medications we use for retinal injections are Eylea, Eylea HD, and Avastin. These drugs work by inhibiting the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina and reducing fluid leakage.
