ALL THINGS RETINA: THE PART OF THE EYE THAT MAKES VISION POSSIBLE

human-eye

There are several components of the eyes that make vision possible. You may be surprised to know how our vision works, and we see the world around us. Our eyes are the miracle of nature that allows us to see the extraordinary view.

The process of seeing is initiated when the light enters your eye after reflecting from an object in the field of your vision. The first thing the light passes through in the eye is a dome-shaped cornea. Also known as the front eyes window, it helps the eyes focus by bending the light.

After that, the light passes through the pupil, the central round opening in the iris, the colored part of the eye. It changes its size to control how much light the pupil lets in.
Further, the light passes through the lens, the clear inner part of the eye. The lens works like a camera to focus the light. After that, the light touches the moisten vitreous, a jelly-like substance in the center of the eye.

Finally, the light hits the central part of the eye, the retina (the thin light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye). The retina consists of millions of photoreceptor cells, also known as rods and cones in its membrane tissue. The rods and cones help convert the light into electrochemical signals. Rods allow us to recognize the darkness, movement, shapes, and side vision. Cones provide better central vision, color vision, and fine details also. The rods and cones then transfer the electric signals from the retina to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain then transforms the electric signals into the images that we see.

The Retina consists of several parts. All the details have unique features that make the retina work properly.

Various conditions can affect the eyes.

There can be many conditions and issues that can affect your eyes. These conditions interfere with the process of light passing from different parts of the eyes to the brain.
These conditions can be prevented or cured with the help of an eye care specialist. These conditions include-

  1. Aging- Aging can also cause many vision-related problems. Most common retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) are caused by aging. Age-related macular degeneration causes the macula to deteriorate which can distort vision and vision loss also.
  2. Injuries- Injuries to the eye can also damage the retina which can lead to clouding of the cornea. The injury in the eye can interfere with the process of light passing through the eye which can lead to vision problems.
  3. Genetic disorders– Genetic disorders like amblyopia (lazy eye) during infancy or childhood can also cause eye problems.
  4. Health conditions- Health conditions and diseases like diabetes, glaucoma (growing fluid pressure in the eye) can also cause eye conditions.
  5. Lifestyle factors-Lifestyle factors such as excessive smoking can also cause eye conditions.

Here are some of the ways by which you protect and prevent your eyes from eye conditions and vision problems.

  1. Regular eye check-up- Regular eye examinations from an optometrist and ophthalmologist can help identify eye problems as easily as possible. Scheduling regular appointments for an eye examination can be beneficial for detecting the symptoms of an eye condition before it can cause more problems to the eyes.
  2. Protection from ultra-violet rays- Ultra-violet rays emitted from the sun are harmful to the eyes. By affecting the lenses ultraviolet rays can cause a cataract in the eyes also. That’s where the sunglasses can protect your eyes from the harmful UV rays.
  3. Healthy diet- Healthy eating lifestyle can be beneficial for the eyes. Fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens (collard greens, spinach, kale) can be healthy for preserving eyesight. Health weight should also be maintained as obesity can lead to diabetes which can lead to diabetic retinopathy that can affect the eyes.
  4. Regular exercise– Regular exercise can also prevent many health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to eye problems.