Five Things to Know About Retina

Your eyes play a very crucial role in life. There is so much you would not be able to do efficiently if your eyesight is compromised. A part of the eye that requires frequent examination by an ophthalmologist near you is the retina. The retina specialist detects early symptoms of any retinal problem and administers treatment. Find out more below.

What is the Retina?

The retina is a thin single-tissue layer lining the back of the inside of your eyeball. When light enters your eye, it projects onto the retina. Your retina consists of nerve cells that send signals from the light and associated images to your optic nerve. These signals are then transferred to your brain via the optic nerves. Next, perception of the images takes place.

A retina comprises several parts; the macula, fovea, cones, photoreceptor cells, and rods. They allow you to perceive sharp edges in images and see in inadequate lighting. In addition, these parts are responsible for viewing a wide field of vision and sensing a full range of colors. When any part of your retina is damaged, your vision may be affected, even leading to blindness.

Interesting Facts to Know About the Retina

The retina enables you to see small details

Have you ever wondered how you can see some tiny things without the aid of magnifying lenses? The precision in your retina allows you to see minute details such as strands of hair, an insect, or small print in a book. Parts of the retina known as the macula and fovea help bring things to sharp focus. Visit our Glendale eye doctor if you are unable to see minute details.

A retina sees images upside down

We see images due to the reflection of light from the objects that we look at. When the light enters the eye via the cornea, it bends because the front part of an eye is curved. As a result, an upside-down image is created on your retina. The brain handles correcting the images and combining separate images from each eye.

It has unique characteristics

As small as the retina is, it comprises ten layers consisting of blood vessels, nerve cells, and photoreceptors. In addition, there are about 120 million color-sensitive photoreceptors known as rods in the retina. Cones are also photoreceptors in the retina responsible for seeing rapid movement, fine detail, and color. Their number is 6-7 million in a retina.

The retina is a part of the central nervous system

The retina develops as an outgrowth of the brain during the development of the embryo. It is, therefore, a part of the central nervous system. The brain performs sight. Once you view an image through the cornea, it is transmitted to the retina. Next, light-sensitive tissues in the retina trigger electric nerve impulses. Finally, the impulses are delivered to your brain. Your brain then decides what the picture is.

Damage to the retina can cause blindness

Our retina plays an important role in vision. When it is damaged, it can lead to vision problems and permanent blindness. In addition, some conditions can prevent the retina from receiving or processing light. They cause loss of sight. One such condition is retinal detachment which prevents the brain from receiving information. Protect your vision through eye care in Glendale.

How Can I Know if I Have a Retinal Problem?

Several problems with your retina can be detected during routine eye exams by the Glendale eye doctors. However, do not wait for your next appointment if you experience any of the symptoms below. Instead, discuss them with an ophthalmologist near you for diagnosis and treatment.

The symptoms of a potentially severe retinal disease include:

• Blurred or distorted vision (straight lines may look wavy)
• Light flashes in one or both eyes
• Sudden onset of spots or specks blocking your vision
• Gradual defects inside vision
• A shadow over your field of vision

Do not neglect to attend regular eye examinations if you have the issues below. They may increase your risk for retinal diseases.

Risk factors for retinal conditions include:

• Eye trauma
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Old age
• Diabetes
• Family history

Contact us at Glendale Eye Medical Group if you have vision problems. Our ophthalmologist will perform several tests to examine your retina for conditions that may affect it. If any problems are found, our team will provide cutting edge retinal treatment in a comfortable environment.