The human eye is one of the most amazing and complex organs, which acts as a window to the world. From breathtaking views to the lovely faces of our loved ones, our eyes help us to look at the beauty of the world.

However, we need to take care of them since they are very delicate and susceptible to damage – most importantly, when it comes to the retina – the thin layer at the back of the eye, responsible for translating light into electrical signals, we need to pay extra attention.

Do you know macular degeneration  – one of the leading causes of retinal damage affects approximately 10-11 million people in the USA?

Retinal damage can lead to serious issues in terms of vision, and can sometimes lead to blindness as well. 

Wondering how serious it is? 

Well, in this blog post, you can take a closer look at what exactly retinal damage is, what are its symptoms, its causes, its treatment, and more.

What Is Retinal Damage?

Retinal damage is a disorder that can affect any part of the retina. It can vary from mild to as severe as blindness. If not detected on time, retinal damage can even lead to irreversible blindness. A few common problems related to the retina are:

• Retinal tear – It is a situation when there is a hole or tear in the retina. This is majorly when the gel-like substance in the eye attaches to the retina and pulls it hard enough. This often causes blurred vision, flashing lights, and more.
• Retinal detachment – It occurs when the fluid which enters through the retinal tear, detaches the retina from the choroid (the layer that provides oxygen and nutrients). This situation is a medical emergency.
• Diabetic retinopathy – If you are suffering from diabetes, chances are that the tiny blood vessels at the back of the eyes can leak fluid. This can lead to swelling in the retina and can distort your vision.
• Epiretinal membranes – ERM, a tissue that forms on the retina’s inner surface. This distorts the person’s central vision.
• Macular hole – The small breaks in the macula due to unusual pulling between the retina and vitreous, leads to the macular holes.
• Retinitis – This is inflammation in the retina and is usually because of viruses and bacteria. Autoimmune conditions like lupus can lead to such a situation.
• Macular edema – It is a condition that occurs due to the build-up of fluid in the macula, which causes it to swell.

Also Read: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KERATOCONUS

Symptoms:

Here are a few symptoms of retinal damage:

• Flashes of light
• Changes in vision
• Reduced central side vision
• Sudden loss of vision
• Appearance of floaters
• Changes in color perception
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Difficulty in adjusting changes in the light

In case you witness any of these symptoms, it is better to consult a medical professional immediately. You can visit PVRI, the best eye hospital in Hyderabad. PVRI has a team of specialized doctors who can help you to maintain your eye health.

Causes:

There are several factors that can contribute to retinal damage. Some of the most common causes include:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 50. It occurs when the central portion of the macula – the center portion of the retina, leads to blurred vision.

• Diabetic retinopathy – Diabetes can often lead to vision impairment or blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness among working adults.

• Glaucoma – Glaucoma leads to damage to the optic nerve, leading to increased pressure within the eye. 

• Uveitis – This is inflammation in the middle layer of the eyes because of infections and diseases. This can lead to serious issues if not addressed properly.

With the prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes, it has become more important to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies for retinal damage. By raising awareness and promoting proactive eye care, you can preserve the precious gift of sight.