Retinal Diseases – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
The retina plays a crucial role in vision. It is a thin tissue layer at the back of the eye. The retina contains light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) that capture visual information and send it to the brain through the optic nerve.
When retinal problems occur, vision can become impaired in various ways.
Early detection through regular eye exams can help preserve vision. Treatments may aim to stop or slow disease progression, potentially improving or restoring sight in some cases.
Signs of Retinal Problems
Many eye problems that affect the retina have similar warning signs. You might notice:
- Floating spots or cobweb-like shapes in your vision
- Blurry or warped vision (straight lines may appear wavy)
- Loss of side vision
- Partial or complete vision loss
Tip: Check each eye individually by covering one eye at a time to better notice these changes.
When To Get Medical Help
If you suddenly experience floaters, flashes of light, or reduced vision, seek medical care right away. These symptoms could indicate a serious retinal condition that needs prompt treatment. Quick action may help preserve your vision.
Causes
Several types of retinal conditions can affect eyesight:
- Retinal Tears: These happen when the gel-like substance (vitreous) in your eye shrinks and pulls on the retina, causing it to tear. Warning signs include:
- Sudden flashes of light
- New floaters in vision
- A shadow in your peripheral vision
- Retinal Detachment: This serious condition occurs when fluid passes through a tear, causing the retina to lift away from supporting tissue. Without prompt treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: People with diabetes may experience damage to retinal blood vessels. This condition progresses in stages:
- Mild: Small blood vessel swelling.
- Moderate: Some vessels become blocked.
- Severe: Many vessels become blocked, triggering growth signals.
- Proliferative: New abnormal vessels grow, which may bleed.
- Epiretinal Membrane: This tissue-like scar forms on the retina’s surface, resembling crinkled cellophane. It can pull on the retina and distort vision, making objects appear blurred or crooked.
- Macular Hole: A small break in the macula (central part of the retina) can develop from unusual traction between the retina and vitreous, or after an eye injury. This affects central vision clarity.
- Macular Degeneration: This condition affects the macula, causing central vision problems. It comes in two forms:
- Dry: More common, involves thinning of the macula.
- Wet: More severe, involves abnormal blood vessel growth.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa: This inherited condition causes gradual degeneration of the retina. People typically first lose night vision and peripheral (side) vision as the disease progresses.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing retinal diseases:
- Age: Older individuals face a higher risk as retinal tissues naturally change over time.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases oxidative stress in the eye.
- Weight Issues: Excess body weight puts additional strain on all body systems, including the eyes.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes particularly affects small blood vessels in the retina.
- Eye Injuries: Direct trauma can tear or detach the retina.
- Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in many retinal conditions.
People with diabetes should be especially careful. The disease can cause diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the retina become damaged.
High blood pressure and heart disease also affect eye health by changing blood flow to the retina. Poor nutrition may play a role too, especially diets low in certain vitamins and antioxidants.
Some retinal issues happen more often in certain ethnic groups. For example, African Americans have higher rates of some retinal conditions compared to other populations.
