Overview

The retina is a thin layer of tissue that covers the inside wall at the back of the eye. When healthy, the center of the retina, or the macula, allows us to see detail clearly. The area surrounding the macula is the peripheral retina and enables us to see to the side (peripheral vision).

Damage to the retina is caused by disease, such as diabetes, illness, infection, injury or aging. Many blood vessels nourish the retina, and when these leak or become obstructed, vision becomes blurry or is lost completely.

The vitreous, is a gel-like substance that fills the inside of the eye and is attached to the retina. Vitreous conditions such as hemorrhage or detachment can interfere with vision or cause retinal problems, such as retinal tear or detachment.