The human retina is a light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye. The optics of the eye create an image of the visual world on the retina, which 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 centers of the brain through the fibers of the optic nerve.
Due to disease or injury, the retina can become torn or detached from the back of the eye. Sudden or gradual increase in what are called "floaters" (particles obscuring vision) in the eye or "light flashes" cutting off vision are signs of retinal detachment and a medical emergency. You should contact an eye care professional immediately to be treated.
A variety of laser, medical and surgical treatments are available for all disorders of the retina, including laser or surgery for retinal tears and detachment, laser for diabetic retinopathy and other pathologies, intravitreal injections for macular degeneration and other diseases.
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