To function properly, the eyes require constant nourishment from the vascular system. Red eyes are usually caused by broken blood vessels in the conjuctiva, near the surface of the white of the eye. However, the major blood vessels of the eye are in the back and inside the eye.
Significance
The human eye works similar to a camera. In the eye, the retina works like film in a camera, but the retina processes light and sends it to the brain through the optic nerve. Major blood vessels in the eye nourish the optic nerve and eye and keep them functioning properly.
Types
There are two main blood vessels that supply to the human retina according to the University of Utah's School of Medicine. The choroidal blood vessels provide the greatest blood flow and supplies the outer part of the retina. The other main blood vessel is called the central retinal artery and it supplies nourishment to the inner layers of the retina.
Identification
Doctors use an instrument called an ophthalmoscope to look inside the eye and see the major blood vessels. In addition to eye problems, the ophthalmoscope allows doctors to detect other health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol problems. The ophthalmoscope is the only noninvasive way a doctor can see inside the human body to look at major blood vessels.
Considerations
Scuba diving puts pressure on the blood vessels of the body. Normally, a scuba mask prevents problems and keeps pressures normalized. However, not expelling gas properly through the mask when descending puts negative pressure on the eyes and causes decompression sickness and trauma to the eyes.
Warning
The eye is affected by disruption from the blood supply. Although rare, as the eye ages, disruption of blood flow to the eye becomes more common from conditions like atherosclerosis, according to the Merck Manual. Other conditions that affect blood flow include vasculitis and eye injury. Vision loss usually occurs in one eye and may come and go. A person should seek treatment immediately if he suspects any problem with the major blood vessels to the eyes.
