Retina information and retina resources

Retina definition and function of the retina

The retina is a thin membrane that covers the inside of the back two-thirds of the eye. The retina, especially the macula or fovea areas convert light images into electrical impulses to be sent along the optic nerve to the brain and be converted into images that allow vision to occur. The retina has a unique biological pattern so that a retina scan via a retina scanner or retinal scanner may be used to identify an individual.

Retina and retinal conditions (retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, AMD, retinitis pigmentosa, etc.)

With age, the retina starts to thin and weaken especially near its attachments with the front of the eye (periphery). In addition, the jelly-like ball that fills most of the eye behind the lens, called the vitreous, changes from a firm substance to a loose fluid. When the vitreous becomes fluid it sometimes shrinks and may cause a vitreous detachment. If the vitreous detaches from the retina it can cause a retinal detachment, and or a macular hole. This hole can then cause an aneurysm or retinal bleeding. When this happens, a patient may notice gradual raising or lowering of a curtain over the visual field of the affected eye. Caused by a detached retina from the back of the eye, often from the "pulling" effect of the vitreous, the jelly-like ball that fills most of the eye behind the lens. Patient may also notice a sudden increase in "floaters" "flashers" or flashing lights. Any such symptoms require an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist, retina specialist, or retinal specialist for treatment. Serious retina problems can occur including centralis retina, macularetinal disease, detached retina, retinal vein occlusion, retinal artery occlusion, optic nerve pit serous retinal detachment, retinal hemorrhage, retinal tear, progressive retinal atrophy, retinoplastoma, vitreous retinal detachment.

Hereditary and acquired retinal degenerative diseases; retina and diabetes, treatment of retinal diseases

Any of several hereditary progressive degenerative diseases of the eye marked by night blindness in the early stages, atrophy and pigment changes in the retina, constriction of the visual field, and eventual blindness. Other important diseases of the retina include: pigmentary retinopathy or retinitis pigmentosa, retina AMD or age related retina macular degeneration, bardet biedl syndrome, batten disease, Blastoma, chorioidal melanoma, choroid, choroidal hemanioma, choroidal melanoma, choroidal metastasis, choroidal metastasis, choroidal nevus, osteoma, diabetic retinopathy, histoplasmosis, optic neuritits, pallucid macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal hole, retinitis pigmentosa, retinoblastoma, vitreous detachment, Von hippel's angioma, retinal tear, retinal detachment, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal vascular occlusions, vitreous hemorrhage. Other factors leading to retina disease include diabetes or diabetic retinopathy, retinitis, pigmentosa, retinoblastoma. An amsler grid or perimetry test can be used to monitor macular degeneration and numerous vision therapy and low vision tools can the visually handicapped. A visual field test can be used to test peripheral vision.

Specific Information on Retina, Detached Retina, Retinal Surgery

• Retina - Defined
• Encyclopedia articles on the Retina
• Basic Anatomy of the Eye and the Retina
• What’s included in a Retinal Exam
• Choosing a Retina Eye Care Professional
• Retina Resource Directories

Useful links related to Retina, Detached Retina, Retinal Surgery

American Academy of Ophthalmology American Optometric Association American Council of the Blind American Foundation for the Blind Lighthouse International National Association for Visually Handicapped Prevent Blindness America

Other Eyecare Specialties at VisionRx.com

General Eyecare Laser Vision Correction Cataracts Glaucoma Retina Macular Degeneration Contact Lens Plastic Surgery Pediatric Eyecare Dry Eye Eyeglasses