About The Retina and Vitreous

The retina is a very thin layer of tissue that lines the inner part of the back of the eye and is continuous with the optic nerve. It contains photoreceptor cells (rods and cones), which capture the light rays that enter the eye. These light impulses are then sent to the brain for processing via the optic nerve.

The macula is a specialized area of the retina that allows us to see detailed, central vision. This makes it possible for us to read, watch television, and recognize faces.

The vitreous is a clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. It accounts for about two-thirds of the eye’s volume, giving it shape before birth.

Vitreous and Retina Problems

The following are some major vitreous and retina problems:
Diabetic Retinopathy :- This is a serious problem that affects Diabetics. Early signs include blurred vision, floaters, and sudden vision loss.
Macular Degeneration :- A condition of the macula, the part of the retina that allows us to see objects with great detail. Age-related macular degeneration is the most common cause of vision loss for people 50 and older.
Retinal Detachment :- This condition occurs when the retina’s sensory and pigment layers separate. If left untreated, it can be extremely detrimental to vision.
Macular Holes :- Usually a result of the normal aging process, a macular hole can cause wavy, distorted, or blurred vision. In some cases, it can even cause a complete loss of central vision.

Retina Tests

Amsler Grid

This simple screening test is used by eye doctors to assess the macula (the center of the retina). The Amsler Grid consists of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines printed on black or white paper. A small dot is located in the center of the grid for fixation. While staring at the dot, the patient looks for wavy lines and missing areas of the grid. This test can be done at home to test for vision problems.

Fluorescein Angiography (FA)

Fluorescein angiography is a test that provides our eye doctors with information about the circulatory system and the condition of the back of the eye. It is useful for evaluating many eye diseases that affect the retina. To perform this test, the technician, under the care of an eye doctor, inserts a special dye, called fluorescein, into a vein in the arm. As the dye travels through the body, it passes through the blood vessels at the back of the eye. As it does, a special camera is used to take a photograph. By looking at the dye patterns in the photograph, your doctor can determine if problems exist.

Fundus Photography

This type of photography involves a customized camera that is mounted to a microscope with intricate lenses and mirrors. The high-powered lenses are designed so the photographer can visualize the back of the eye by focusing light through the cornea, pupil, and lens. Fundus photography is used by eye doctors to evaluate the health of the optic nerve, vitreous, macula, retina, and its blood vessels.

Indocyanine Green Dye Study

This special dye test is used to evaluate the circulatory system of the choroid, the layer just behind/beneath the retina. After the dye is injected into the patient’s arm, it travels through the bloodstream to the eye, where it reveals leaking vessels in the choroid. A special camera is then used to take a photo of the eye. Upon evaluating the photo, the eye doctors can determine whether treatment is needed.

Ophthalmoscopy

An ophthalmoscope is an instrument used to examine the retina and vitreous. Ophthalmoscopy requires dilating the pupils with drops to give the doctor the best view inside the eye.

Slit Lamp Examination

The slit lamp is a microscope with a light attached that allows the doctor to examine your eye under high magnification. The instrument is used to view the cornea, iris, and lens, and sometimes it is used to examine the vitreous, retina, and the optic nerve as well.