5 Common Retinal Disorders and Their Symptoms

The retina is an essential part of your eye, kind of like the film in a camera. It forms light into signals that your brain uses to see the world around you. Sometimes, this thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye can develop problems. These are Retinal Disorders.

There exist many types of retinal disorders that have different causes. Some are mild and cause few symptoms, while others may be serious and cause vision loss. We will discuss and clear up many of your doubts about some of the retinal disorders, and their symptoms. Furthermore, we’ll help you get a very clear picture of protection of the precious eyesight.

What is A Retinal Disorder?

A retinal disorder would then be a condition affecting the retina, the light-sensitive layer located at the back of your eye. This part acts exactly like a special camera sensor in converting light into signals it sends to the brain for seeing. Common causes for the occurrence of such disorders are aging, diabetes, and trauma. This might cause blurry vision, floaters, or even blindness.

In case of changes in your vision, seek help with Eyecare Services from an eye doctor immediately. Early identification and treatment can prevent some retinal disorders from getting worse and can protect your sight.

Bad Symptoms: Why You Need To Recognise Them Early

The retina is at the back of the eye and is very important for clear vision. Retinal diseases can lead to the damaging of this part of the eye, due to which, if not detected and treated on time, it may result in loss of vision. Hence, early identification of warning signs is very important.

Signs and symptoms include blurry vision; noticing dark spots or flashes of light; or even trouble distinguishing colors. If any of these changes come to your attention, you should get in touch with an Eye Doctor immediately. Most of them will be able to do a checkup that identifies the problem and initiates early treatment that helps protect your vision. So, let’s just say that keeping an eye on the symptoms and seeking help from an eye doctor can make a big difference in keeping your sight healthy.

Common Retinal Disorders With Their Symptoms

1. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the common eye problems, just like flashes or floaters. In most cases, AMD is responsible for slow loss of vision centrally in an individual’s sight. It then becomes hard to see the smallest details, such as faces and books. There are two major forms: dry AMD, which causes blurry vision, and wet AMD form, though less common, causing faster vision loss. You may not feel anything with AMD at an early stage, so regular eye examinations are important in detecting it early.

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a Retinal Disorder affecting people living with diabetes. Over time, too much sugar in the blood due to diabetes will damage the small blood vessels linking to the retina. This can cause them to leak fluid or bleed, making your vision cloudy, causing floaters—dark spots or squiggly lines—or even blindness.

In the beginning, you may not be aware of the symptoms, and regularly following up with eye checkups is very necessary to diagnose at an early stage to maintain healthy vision.

3. Retinal Detachment

Think about the back of your eye as the wallpaper on a wall. When that wallpaper, or the light-feeling part of your eye, starts peeling a little, that is a detached retina. This can result due to a tear caused by aging or sometimes injuries. The first signs are most likely to be sudden floaters and flashes of light. If you see these, call an Eye Doctor right away! Unlike some eye problems, a detached retina is painless, but waiting to see a doctor can make you lose sight in that eye.

4. Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a transmitted eye disorder whereby the light-sensing cells of the retina gradually deteriorate over time. Unlike some kinds of eye problems that blur your central vision, RP initially affects your side (peripheral) vision. It makes it hard to see in dim light and usually causes a person to feel like they are looking through a tunnel. 

The first signs of RP usually involve difficulty in vision at night and bumping into objects in the dark. If you are suffering from these changes, make sure you get an eye doctor for Eyecare Services to monitor RP and discuss ways to cope with it.

5. Macular Hole

The Macular Hole includes a very small tear in the center of the retina. It differs from other retinal problems like macular degeneration, which blurs vision. Macular holes cause central vision to become blurred and wavy, almost as if you are looking through a funhouse mirror. You may see a dark spot in the center. If these are the changes you notice, it is crucial to consult with an eye doctor instantly.

Final Words

With any Retinal Disorder, early detection is the key. Do not hesitate to see an eye doctor if you have some of the warning signs, including floaters or flashes, blurry vision, and others. Keep your eyes healthy and create checkups to keep way ahead of these life-changing conditions and preserve essential sight. We recommend consulting with Eyes on Brickell. Dr. Antoine Copty offers the best Eyecare Services in Miami. Book an appointment with professionals today, or view the website for more information!