The eye is like a camera with a lens in front and a film (retina) at the back. The retina is located approximately two centimetres behind your pupil. It is shaped like a small cup. The retina converts the ocular image into a signal that is sent to the brain. The central part of the retina, called the macula, is used for straight-ahead vision and what is in your direct line of sight.
Retinal disorders are highly complex and demand specialist diagnostic and surgical skills; there are specialists dedicated to only treating virteo-retinal disorders. In India, the diabetic capital of the world, such specializations take on a whole new dimension, as diabetes is one of the most common diseases to affect the retina. At National Eye Care hospital we have a ‘Retinal Clinic’ offering special expertise in diagnosis and treatment of retina-vitreous diseases.
Retinal disorders could either affect the entire retina or the macula alone. Here are some common ailments affecting the retina:
- Diabetic Retinopathy – this develops in patients affected by diabetes
- Retinal Degeneration – involves degeneration of the retina due to death of its cells
- Macular Degeneration – cells of the macula deteriorate leading to blurry vision
- Macular hole – yes, you guessed it right; it’s a hole in the macula which could lead to distorted imaging
- Retinal Detachment – a condition where the retina is torn and is pulled away from the back of the eye
