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What Causes Retina Damage?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Retina damage, or retinal damage, is one of most common ailments of the eyes. The most common causes of retina damage are those related to old age, light damage, or trauma. Each cause may require a different method of treatment, so identifying the cause is especially important. In rare instances, a problem may develop without an obvious trigger, requiring further examination from the specialist.

One of the ways in which retinal damage may occur is through a vitamin deficiency. Vitamins A and E are thought to be especially important to that area of the eyes. Making sure there is adequate consumption of those vitamins, either through natural foods or vitamin supplements can help promote eye health. Though the exact reason why these vitamins are so important remains somewhat unclear, it appears as though they are responsible for strengthening some of the pieces that make up the retina.

The lasers used in barcode scanners could damage the retina if shined in the eye.
The lasers used in barcode scanners could damage the retina if shined in the eye.

Light can also damage the retina. Light damage occurs when there is a prolonged exposure directly to intense light. This is why scientists encourage individuals to not look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Another form of light damage can occur with lasers. Laser retina damage is not very common, but it can be a danger. Often, laser pointers, and even grocery checkout scanners, will come with warnings about avoiding looking directly at the laser. Retina burn, as this type of damage is often called, can be painful, especially when it first occurs.

The retina is in the back of the eye and can be damaged in numerous ways.
The retina is in the back of the eye and can be damaged in numerous ways.

Another form of retina damage may occur when there is direct trauma to the eye. This will likely be from an object hitting or penetrating the eye. When this takes place, the pain is often severe, and will often require immediate medical attention. Even in cases where vision may not be initially affected, it is wise to get the eye checked by an ophthalmologist or other specialist. If there is damage that is not readily apparent, the doctor may discover it upon examination.

Vitamin deficiency can cause retina damage.
Vitamin deficiency can cause retina damage.

Retinal damage may also take place as a result of the aging process. Vitamin supplements may help prevent some of this from taking place. Making sure to put as little strain as possible on your eyes is also a good idea. For those who feel they may be having retina problems due to old age, there are a few treatments that can provide some relief. However, it is unlikely any treatment will be able to completely find a cure for geriatric damage.

Discussion Comments

anon304566

I have color blindness (it is genetic) but I have been having pain in my right eye and I am seeing small black dots. I got the test for colourblindness done when I was 10 years old.

umbra21
One thing to bear in mind is that you can't take it for granted that sunglasses are going to protect your eyes. Many of them will, of course, but in some cases the manufacturer will just slap a couple of pieces of colored glass or plastic onto the frame and leave it at that. If anything, those will damage your eyes worse, because they make them think they are in shade, so the pupil will open wider than usual and the UV light will go straight through the lens.

Price isn't a good indication of it either, since often expensive sunglasses have more to do with looking good than protecting your eyes. You need to make sure the lenses have been certified as being able to block UV and UVA radiation.

croydon

@anon81195 - The Ishihara test is a test for colorblindness. The condition can sometimes occur in people who have retinal damage, but it is more often genetic. Unless you had the test done when you were a child, there's no real way to know whether you have always had the condition or not, particularly since it's only in one eye, so the other would have been compensating for that.

If it is something that has developed, then it's not abnormal, but it does mean you need to get checked out for anything that might be causing damage to your eye. Diabetes can cause this kind of damage, for example and eye damage is often the first sign of it. So you should go and get checked out, but don't worry too much about it.

Mild colorblindness isn't a terrible thing, and it won't affect your life very much most of the time. Take care of your eyes and it shouldn't be a problem.

anon81195

at age 60 I had ishahari test and passed all with one eye and failed three with the other (out of 15). is this abnormal for my age?

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    • The lasers used in barcode scanners could damage the retina if shined in the eye.
      By: mrkob
      The lasers used in barcode scanners could damage the retina if shined in the eye.
    • The retina is in the back of the eye and can be damaged in numerous ways.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      The retina is in the back of the eye and can be damaged in numerous ways.
    • Vitamin deficiency can cause retina damage.
      By: charles taylor
      Vitamin deficiency can cause retina damage.
    • Laser pointers often come with warnings about possible retina damages from pointing the beam at someone's eyes.
      By: crom
      Laser pointers often come with warnings about possible retina damages from pointing the beam at someone's eyes.
    • It may be wise to have the retinas checked by a specialist following trauma to the eye.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      It may be wise to have the retinas checked by a specialist following trauma to the eye.