The retina of the eye is a thin layer at the back of the eye that is useful for capturing light. Damage to this layer will affect your ability to see.
The main function of the retina of the eye is to capture light and organize it as visual information which is then sent to the brain via the optic nerve. In the center of this neural network is the macula, which allows you to see clearly.
The retina of the eye has a very important role in vision. When the retina is affected by certain diseases, vision can be impaired.
Diseases of the retina of the eye
The following are some diseases of the retina of the eye that can reduce the ability to see:
1. Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that causes blockage of the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. This condition can cause the retina to become swollen or leaky.
This may trigger the formation of new blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels are more fragile, so they break more easily and can interfere with vision.
2. Macular degeneration
Another disorder that can reduce the function of the retina of the eye is macular degeneration. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the ability to see caused by damage to the central part of the retina (macula). Macular degeneration is more common in older people.
3. Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina of the eye detaches from its supporting tissue. This condition is classified as a serious problem and requires immediate treatment. Without prompt and proper treatment, retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness.
4. Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer that is relatively rare and can interfere with vision. Retinoblastoma is more common in children, especially toddlers.
The main sign of retinoblastoma is the cat's eye reflex, which is the appearance of a white light reflection in the pupil of the eye, when exposed to a light beam or camera flash.
How to Maintain Eye Retina Health
To keep the retina healthy, there are several steps you can take, namely:
1. Eat nutritious food
Meet your nutritional needs, especially vitamins A, C, and E, lutein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can get these nutrients by eating green vegetables, nuts, eggs, and sea fish.
2. Wear sunglasses
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Therefore, wear sunglasses when you want to do long outdoor activities during the day.
3. Rest your eyes
Too long staring at a computer screen or cell phone (cell phone) can cause eyestrain. This habit can cause blurred vision, difficulty focusing eyes, dry eyes, and pain in the head and neck. You can get around this by taking your eyes off your computer or phone screen for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
4. Quit smoking
The long-term effects of smoking can interfere with overall health, including eye health. Smoking can increase the risk of developing cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration which can lead to blindness. For that, you are advised to stop smoking.
To clearly assess the health of the retina of the eye, a retinal examination by an ophthalmologist is needed. Examination of the retina of the eye aims to determine the possibility of damage to the retina or problems related to decreased retinal function.
Several examinations that may be recommended by an ophthalmologist to assess the condition of the retina include radiological examinations (USG, CT scan, MRI), optical coherence tomography (OCT), test amsler grid, and angiography with contrast agent
Diseases of the retina of the eye should not be underestimated because it can interfere with vision, even cause blindness. If you experience complaints in your eyes or vision, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist to get the right treatment.