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Retina structure and function
The inner layer of the retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive cells (rods and cones) located near the vascular layer of the eye and the optic nerve. It is a multilayered and complex structure that:
Perceives incoming light;
“Encodes” it as a nerve impulse;
Converts into an image in the brain.
Diagram of the visual process
Entrance : Light enters through the cornea, which refracts it.
Adaptation : The pupil regulates the amount of light – dilating in darkness, constricting in bright light.
Focusing : The lens changes shape (accommodation) to focus light on the retina when looking at different distances.
Transduction : The rods and cones of the retina absorb light and send impulses along the optic nerve to the brain, where the final image is formed.
The coordinated action of all these stages ensures clear vision; dysfunction of any stage leads to ophthalmological problems.
Retinal pathologies
Its causes may be:
Blood supply disorders;
Systemic complications of congenital and acquired diseases;
Head injuries and eye damage.
Damage to the central (macular) area
Central vision decreases, possibly complete loss.
Peripheral pathologies
Visual acuity loss can occur gradually over many years.
Rapid deterioration of visual acuity and loss of visual fields can occur as a result of hemorrhage or retinal detachment.
Clinical signs
Other services
Patient stories
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