The retina comprises a layer of thin tissue that lines the inside of your eye. Light entering your eye gets focused on the retina by the cornea and lens in the front of your eye.
The cells in the retina absorb the light and turn it into nerve signals. Then these nerve signals get transmitted to your brain through the optic nerve. Your brain converts these nerve impulses into the images you see.
Your retina doesn’t regenerate or heal if it gets injured. That’s why it’s good to know a bit about it so you can keep yours healthy.
Keep reading to learn more about the retina and its specific parts.
Rods and Cones
The retina contains specialized photoreceptors, called rods and cones, that respond to light. Rods are sensitive to changes between dark and light, movement and shape. They enable you to see in shifting light conditions.
On the other hand, cones are sensitive to specific colors, including blue, green, and red. When these color signals get transmitted to your brain, you perceive color.
Cones are only effective in bright light. That is why you can’t see colors in the dark.
Macula
The macula is at the center of your retina. It allows you to focus on small details of objects in front of you.
Fovea
At the center of the macula is a small depression known as the fovea. The fovea provides the sharpest focus.
Peripheral Retina
The peripheral retina is the tissue that stretches beyond the macula. Nerves present in the peripheral retina are responsible for your peripheral vision.
Retinal Problems
Your brain can’t receive any signals of what you see without the retina. If your retina degenerates or becomes damaged, you can experience permanent vision loss. Some signs of retinal problems include:
Double Vision
Also called ghost vision, this phenomenon creates blurry and overlapping images that are disorienting. Although double vision can be a sign of different disorders, it’s usually a symptom of a retinal problem.
Flashing Lights
Flashing lights can be symptoms of various conditions like migraines or eye injury. But often, they are symptoms of retinal problems like a retinal tear or detachment.
Be especially mindful of flashing lights, called flashes, if you have a lot of them all of a sudden. Retinal damage can send abnormal and incorrect signals to the brain. Flashes are an example of this.
Blind Spots
Everyone has a blind spot in their peripheral vision due to the optic nerve’s position behind the eye. If you experience additional blind spots that seem like something blocking your vision or large shadows, you could be experiencing retinal issues.
Distorted Vision
You could start seeing objects as crooked with a retinal problem, or you could be seeing wavy lines or having blurry vision. The severity of these warning signs can vary.
Unfortunately, many people mistake these visual distortions for worsening vision due to age. Therefore, it’s advisable to visit an eye doctor to rule out retinal issues.
Taking Care of Your Retina
The retina is a crucial part of your vision. When there’s an issue with your retina due to trauma, disease, or other factors, your eyesight is at risk.
Are you interested in learning more about your vision and retinal health? Schedule an appointment at Joshi Eye Institute in Boynton Beach, FL, today!
It’s best to be proactive when it comes to your retina and eye health. Don’t wish you had taken care of your eyes after it’s too late!