The retina is the film in the back of the eye that light rays and images are focused on. Tiny photoreceptor cells pick up those images and transmit them to electrical impulses that are sent via the optic nerve to the brain, where visual images are interpreted.

The center of the retina is called the macula. This is the most sensitive area of the retina. It is used for reading and straight-ahead vision.

Retinal and specifically macular diseases can cause clouding and distortion of vision, loss of peripheral vision and eventually blindness.

There are many types of retinal disease. They can be devastating to the eye, and often affect your vision. At the first sign of any visual disturbance, including flashes, floaters, a curtain over your eye, or the sudden or gradual onset of blurred vision, your eye doctor should be consulted immediately.

Symptoms of retinal disease:

• The onset of blurred vision. Sometimes subtle vision loss is difficult to detect unless you happen to close the good eye.
• Waviness when looking at straight lines, such as a grid like this one
• A curtain coming over your vision, from above, below or either side
• Flashes of light in your side vision, especially noticeable at night
• Floaters, cobwebs, or worm-like shadows that move as you move your eye, especially noticeable against a solid blue or white background

Causes of retinal disease:

• Infection: Bacterial, fungal and viral infections
• Age: Aging processes can affect the macula, the very center and most sensitive part of the retina
• Heredity: Conditions such as retinal dystrophies can cause night vision loss, color vision loss, light sensitivity or generalized blur from a young age. These conditions are often progressive.
• Eye trauma
• Certain systemic diseases, like diabetes or high blood pressure

Diagnosing retinal disease:

Your eye doctor can check for chronic conditions like macular degeneration and diabetic eye changes (retinopathy). Your doctor will do a complete eye exam, which includes dilation and examination using special magnifying instruments. Photographs may be taken. A dye test can be performed to determine leakage of blood vessels. Your doctor can detect signs of elevation, fluid accumulation, scarring or membrane formation.

Treatment for retinal disease:

There are a variety of treatments for retinal disease. Preventive therapy uses vitamins. Surgery can correct retinal detachment. Laser treatment for diabetes to seals leaky blood vessels in the eye. Injections such as can stop abnormal blood vessels from growing in the retina and doing damage to central vision.