What are retinal disorders?

What is the function of the retina?

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. It contains specialised cells called photoreceptors, which convert light rays into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the brain, allowing us to perceive and interpret visual information. Light rays focus on the retina after passing through the cornea, pupil, and lens.

What is the macula?

The macula is a small but crucial part of the retina, measuring just half a millimetre. It is densely packed with photoreceptors and is responsible for central vision, colour vision, and detailed visual tasks. The health of the macula is vital for sharp, clear vision.

What symptoms are associated with retinal disorders?

Retinal disorders can present with a range of symptoms, including:

• Decreased central vision
• Loss of vision
• Floaters and cobwebs, especially noticeable against white backgrounds
• Flashing lights
• Distorted perception of object sizes
• Decreased peripheral vision or the presence of shadows
• Distortion of straight lines

How is the retina assessed?

Diagnosis of retinal disorders begins with a detailed individual history and symptom assessment. Examination methods include:

• Slit Lamp Examination: A detailed assessment of the eye's structures.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina.
• Fluorescein Angiography/ICG: A dye test that highlights blood vessels and retinal structures.
• Visual Field Test: Evaluates the functional aspects of the retina.
• Electrodiagnostics: Specialised tests used in certain cases for in-depth analysis.

What are the main blinding retinal conditions?

Several retinal conditions can lead to significant vision impairment or blindness. The most common include:

• Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Characterised by sudden central vision blurring and distortion due to abnormal blood vessels under the retina. It is the leading cause of blindness in the UK.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Caused by damage to retinal blood vessels from diabetes, leading to swelling, distortion, and potential vision loss. It is a primary cause of blindness in the working-age population.
• Retinal vein occlusion: Blockage of retinal veins causing fluid accumulation and vision loss. It can affect central or peripheral vision, depending on the location of the blockage.
• Myopic choroidal neovascularisation: Occurs in individuals with severe myopia, where abnormal blood vessels grow into the retina, leading to vision loss and distortion.

Other retinal conditions treated at OCL Vision

Additional retinal conditions that may require clinical attention include:

• Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): Marked by floaters and flashing lights. Though often self-resolving, it requires monitoring to rule out retinal tears or detachment.
• Central serous retinopathy: Fluid accumulation under the retina causing central vision distortion. Most cases resolve spontaneously, but chronic cases may need treatment.
• Vitreomacular traction and macular holes: Result from traction on the retina by the vitreous body. Can cause distortion and loss of central vision, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Post-operative Cystoid Macular Oedema (CMO): Swelling of the macula following eye surgery, which may need drops or injections for management.

Treatment of retinal disorders

For detailed information on the treatments and surgery available for retinal disorders, please visit our retinal disorder procedure page.