Exploring the Retinal Vascular System
Originally published by The Retina Eye Center
Your eyes function like a camera. The lens at the front of the eye focuses light onto your retina, which then transmits images via the optic nerve to your brain. The retinal vascular system plays a significant role in this process. It consists of arteries, veins, and capillaries that work together to nourish the retina and remove blood and waste. Here’s what you need to know about the retinal vascular system, conditions that impact the retinal vascular system, and how you can seek medical treatment from an experienced retina specialist.
Understanding the Retina Vascular System
The retina is supplied by two vascular systems: the central retinal artery and the choriocapillaris. The central retinal artery supplies the inner retina and the choriocapillaris supplies the retinal pigment epithelium and outer retina, which consists mostly of photoreceptors. A healthy retinal vascular system adapts to meet the metabolic requirements of the retina to ensure proper vision.
Conditions That Impact the Retinal Vascular System
The retinal vascular system is sensitive and complex. Conditions associated with the retinal vascular system include:
- Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO): CRAO occurs when a blockage affects the artery of the eye. When an artery is blocked, it can deprive an organ of this oxygen-rich blood. This can cause vision loss and even blindness.
- Retinal vein occlusion (RVO): Also as an eye stroke, RVO refers to a blockage in a vein of the retina. This blockage can cause hemorrhaging of a vein, which can leak onto the retina and cause loss of vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy: Found in individuals with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy causes damage to the retinal blood vessels due to elevated blood glucose for prolonged periods of time. This can result in abnormal bleeding, swelling of the retina, poor blood flow to the retina, and/or scarring of the retina.
- Hypertensive retinopathy: A vascular condition caused by long-term high blood pressure, hypertensive retinopathy can damage blood vessels, cause swelling of the retina, and put excessive pressure on the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and other complications.
These disorders can significantly harm your vision, and they're often linked to other wellness issues. If you experience any changes in your vision, it could be indicative of a problem within the retinal vascular system, and you should see a retina specialist as soon as possible.
Schedule an Appointment with a Retina Specialist
The retinal vascular system plays a crucial role in maintaining proper vision. The sooner you seek help for a retinal vascular condition, the better your treatment outcomes will be. You can rely on the retina specialists at The Retina Eye Center to accurately diagnose your retinal condition and develop a customized treatment plan to best address your needs. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.