The retina is a tissue located at the back of the eye. Its main job is to convert images so that the brain can properly process them, according to MedlinePlus. The retina is red and contains its own blood supply. Sometimes, the retina may become detached, or the blood vessels supplying the retina can become damaged. In some cases, the retina itself becomes damaged.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy refers to a medical problem in which the blood vessels supplying the retina become damaged due to uncontrolled blood sugar levels. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include vision loss, blurry vision, spots in the visual field, trouble seeing during the night and dark streaks that actually block vision.
It is crucial for diabetic sufferers to have their eyes checked each year. Treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes focal or scatter laser treatment and vitrectomy. Focal laser treatment (photocoagulation) uses a laser to seal any eye blood vessel leakage that may be occurring because of the vessel damage. Scatter laser treatment (panretinal photocoagulation) involves shrinking the affected blood vessels of the eye. A vitrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves taking blood out of the eye's center and removing any scar tissue that may be attaching to the retina, says the Mayo Clinic.
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina actually separates from its anchoring tissue layers in the back of the eye, says MedlinePlus. Symptoms of retinal detachment include blurry vision, floaters in the eye, bright light flashes and blindness in a part of the eye.
Unfortunately, retinal detachment can occur for no apparent reason. Sometimes, trauma, diabetes or some sort of inflammatory disease may elevate the risk for having a retinal detachment.
Retinal detachment treatments include such surgeries as cryopexy, laser surgery and pneumatic retinoplexy. Cryopexy involves applying a cold instrument to the retina so that it remains attached to the back of the eye. Laser surgery repairs any tears in the retina, while pneumatic retinoplexy involves creating a gas bubble in the eye so that the retina actually floats back to its correct position, says MedlinePlus.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a condition in which the retina becomes damaged over time. According to MedlinePlus, symptoms of retinitis pigmentosa include loss of peripheral vision, decreased night vision and loss of central vision. This disease is typically inherited.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. MedlinePlus says that antioxidants and microchip implants are just a few of the investigative treatments available.
