Retinal Diseases

The retina is a thin layer of tissue that contains millions of light-sensitive cells (rods and cones), and is located in the back of the eye. The primary function of the retina is to receive, organize, and send visual information to your brain, through the optic nerve. This whole process enables you to see.

Retinal diseases cause damage to any part of the retina. Untreated retinal diseases can lead to severe vision loss and even blindness. With early detection, some retinal diseases can be treated, while others can be controlled or slowed down to preserve, or even restore vision.

Types of retinal diseases

There are several diseases of the retina. Some of them include:

• Diabetes-related retinopathy .
• Retinal detachment .
• Retinal tears or holes.
• Retinal vein occlusion, including central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion.
• Infectious retinitis.
• Central serous retinopathy.
• Birdshot chorioretinopathy and other inflammatory diseases.

There are diseases that affect your macula, such as:

• Macular pucker , also called an epiretinal membrane.
• Macular hole .
• Age-related macular degeneration .
• Central serous chorioretinopathy
• Macular edema (swelling due to fluid buildup).

You can inherit other retinal diseases, like:

• Retinitis pigmentosa .
• Usher syndrome , an inherited condition that causes retinitis pigmentosa.
• Stargardt disease .
• Retinoschisis , which can be something that you’re born with or something that develops over time.

Treatment depends on the type of retinal disease you have. Depending on the condition, treatment can stop the disease or slow down how quickly it gets worse. Therapy options include surgical procedures, laser treatments and injections of medicines into or around your eyes.