What is the Retina?

The retina is a layer of light-sensitive nerve cells along the back of the eye that directly connect to your brain. In fact, the retina is a very specialized part of the brain that is located in the back part of the eye. The retina plays a key role in vision by sensing and processing the light that reaches it after passing through the front part of the eye — the cornea, iris, and lens. Once light is received by the retina, neural signals are sent to other parts of the brain which interprets them into what we understand to be vision. The macula is the most central part of the retina and contains many photoreceptor cells that are responsible for detecting colors and fine details. The areas of the retina outside of the macula are very sensitive to motion and give us our peripheral vision.

When the retina — and especially the macula portion — is diseased or damaged, vision can be significantly impaired. Early detection and effective treatment of retinal conditions are essential to maintain eye health and preserve vision. The highly experienced eye doctors and retina surgeons at Reynolds and Anliker offer leading edge diagnostics and treatment options, including medications, injections, laser therapy, and microsurgery.

What is the Vitreous?

The back of the eye is filled by a gel-like fluid called the vitreous. It attaches to the retina and usually does not cause problems in younger patients. As we age, the vitreous ages along with the rest of the body and these aging changes can sometimes lead to problems with vision and even damage to the retina. That is why we often speak of patients with vitreo-retinal disease.

Vitrectomy

Vitrectomy is a microsurgery of the eye to remove the vitreous and sometimes perform other surgical maneuvers in the back of the eye and on the retina itself. It may be a recommended treatment for many of the retinal conditions listed above. Vitrectomy is typically an outpatient procedure. Local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia may be used for pain control during surgery. The patient rests at home after the operation and typically experiences only mild discomfort for the first 24 hours after surgery. Several postoperative examinations will be required in the days, weeks, and months after vitrectomy. Sometimes, the surgeon will place a bubble of air, gas, or oil into the eye at the conclusion of vitrectomy. Patients with bubbles may need to hold their head in a particular position after vitrectomy.