Retina FAQs

What is the Retina?

The retina is a light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. It is composed of a network of tiny blood vessels, photo sensitive nerves and other components. The retina converts light to neural signals that are then transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain, where the image is processed.

What is the macula?

The macula is the central portion of the retina. It is responsible for our central vision, color, seeing fine detail, reading and more.

What are Common Retinal Problems?

There are a wide variety of conditions that can occur in the retina. Some of the most common are:

Detachments, holes and tears can occur when the retina is affected by trauma, aging or a retinal condition.
Diabetic retinopathy can cause vision loss or blindness in people with diabetes.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when the macula is damaged by the process of aging. AMD typically does not cause complete blindness but can make it harder to see faces, read, or drive.

What are Common Symptoms of Retinal Problems?

Straight lines look wavy, blurred or distorted
Side vision loses clarity
Loss of vision
Double vision
Blind spots

How can I Maintain Healthy Retinas?

Although genetics and accidental trauma are out of our control, a few practices to maintain healthy retinas include:

Healthy diet
Regular exercise
Avoiding smoking
Wearing sunglasses
Regular eye appointments

Why should I see a Retina Specialist?

The retina is considered the most complex tissue of the eye. Retina specialists are the most skilled and experienced in dealing with retina conditions.