Retina is that inner part of your eye where the image is projected ,which is a light-sensitive layer of tissue.From here it is transmitted as signals to the brain.It serves much the same function as the film in a camera . Light striking the retina initiates a cascade of chemical and electrical events that ultimately trigger nerve impulses. These are sent to various visual centres of the brain through the fibres of the optic nerve. Neural retina typically refers to three layers of neural cells (photo receptor cells, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells) within the retina, while the entire retina refers to these three layers plus a layer of pigmented epithelial cells.

Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinoblastoma, macular pucker, central serous retinopathy, etc. are various retinal disorders.

Signs that can help you identify a retinal condition- 

Cover each eye once and check the following.

1. DISTORTED VISION FOR READING


After wearing your reading glasses with plenty of light,if you find letters appear missing or distorted in one of your eyes. Amsler grid can also be used to detect and monitor your vision

2. CENTRAL SCOTOMA

When you look at distance with one eye closed, you find a central haze/spot through which you can not look clearly, vision on the side is better. so you have to shift your head to see in the center.

3. NIGHT BLINDNESS.


When you experience difficulty in doing tasks in low light conditions.In daytime you are able to see clearly, but night time you stumble, vision is much worse.

4. DECREASED COLOR SENSITIVITY.


If you feel that colors of various objects are fading, red does not look the same bright red.The difference can be appreciated by comparing one eye with other

5. FLOATERS

Sometimes when looking at a light background some cobwebs can be appreciated, these may be tiny thready shapes moving with the eye movement,few are normal. If sudden appearance of many many cobwebs, or dark shadows  which start affecting clarity of your vision , requires a retina check up.

6. FLASHES OF LIGHT

If you experience annoying light movements inside your eye which can be seen even with closed eye,moving in one particular direction. It continues for hours,its time for a fundus examination.

7. NARROWING OF VISUAL FIELDS

If things suddenly start coming in your field of vision which were not noted earlier,especially while driving,get a field test done.