Types of Retinal Conditions

The retina is a thin tissue layer found at the back of your eye. This thin inner lining is located near the optic nerve, which connects your eyes to your brain. The retina is responsible for converting light passing through the lens into neural signals. The brain receives these signals to interpret the images that you see. The retina contains photosensitive cells that perceive vision and color at both low and high light levels. An unhealthy retina can affect how you see and process visual information.


Since this part of your eye doesn’t have nerve endings, you will not feel any direct retinal pain. But you may start to suffer from symptoms like blurry vision to indicate that something’s amiss. Are you wondering what other signs you may have to watch out for? Read on to find out the common types of retinal conditions:

 

Retinal Tears

This condition usually occurs because of abnormal vitreoretinal adhesion. At birth, the vitreous or transparent gel-like substance filling in the back of the eye cavity is attached to the retina. As you age, the vitreous separates from the retina. This mostly happens without any problems. But some people have naturally stickier vitreous. As the gel parts from the retina, it stretches abnormally. This causes tears to the retina. This condition can also occur due to eye trauma and can develop in patients who have undergone cataract surgery. Older people aged over 50 who are extremely nearsighted can also develop retinal tears. Early symptoms of retinal tears include the sudden increase of flashes and floaters. Some people also experience a decline in their peripheral or side vision. In rare cases, the tears can be a precursor to retinal detachment and severe vision loss.

 

Retinal Detachment

This condition is considered a severe medical emergency. It requires immediate treatment to salvage a person’s vision. You can be prone to retinal detachment if you have or are at risk of retinal tears. You can also be susceptible to this retinal condition if you have a severe eye disease or suffered from a previous eye injury. Like retinal tears, a common sign of retinal detachment is the sudden increase in flashes and floaters. Some patients with this condition report the sudden presence of shadow or curtain over their entire field of vision.

 

Macular Degeneration

This is an eye disease that affects the macula, which is found near the retina center. It usually results from the aging process. Signs of age-related macular degeneration include straight lines looking distorted or wavy. If left untreated, a dark, blind spot can develop in the central vision.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

This is a diabetes complication caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. This is because of the high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes. Early signs generally include dark spots, blurred vision, flashing lights, and eye pain. At first, diabetic retinopathy shows little to no symptoms at all. But it can eventually lead to blindness.

 

Unhealthy retinas will have difficulty transmitting clear signals to your brain. This can lead to visual impairment or vision loss. Most retinal conditions can be treated if detected early. At Cleburne Eye Clinic, we can conduct a comprehensive eye examination and help you avoid severe eye diseases and complications.

 

Learn more about types of retinal conditions & treatment, contact Cleburne Eye Clinic in Cleburne, TX at (817) 645-2411 to make an appointment.