The high energy light can produce particles called “free radicals” which damage the cells and the high energy light can also damage the genetic material in the cells called “DNA” that controls the function of the cell. The light that focuses on the macula and in particular the blue end of the spectrum has high energy and can damage the cells in a variety of ways. The rods and cones need to recycle material in order to function in an efficient manner and the RPE assists in this recycling.Īs the macular is working “at full stretch” it is not surprising that with the passage of time it is more prone to the ageing process than other tissues in the body. They work so hard that they need both a very good blood supply called the choroid (to give oxygen and sugar to the cells) and a layer of cells beside them called the Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to help them function. The cells at the macular that are responsible for changing the light into electricity are called photoreceptors (rods and cones).
It is responsible for converting the focused image of light striking the retina into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain to give us sight. It is the most sophisticated piece of tissue in the body and works “flat out” from the moment you open your eyes in the morning to the moment you go to sleep. It is responsible for detailed vision (reading, writing, recognising faces) and for colour vision. Call us at our Portland location.The macula is the name given to the centre of the retina (photographic film at the back of the eye). If you see a dramatic increase in seeming new floaters, or if you’re seeing persistent flashes, that’s a reason to make an appointment to see us at The Eye Clinic, as these can be signs of retinal detachment. We have special instruments that can look at the retina and the vitreous to distinguish between the harmless globs of protein and more serious issues. After you turn 55, it’s a good idea to have one exam every year. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye exams with the team at The Eye Clinic. While most floaters are just a part of being human, sometimes they can point to more serious retinal problems such as holes, tears, or detachment. Regular exams make sure they’re just floaters As it pulls away from the retina, bits of debris can enter the gel and become new floaters. Just as you have more aches the older you get, so it is with floaters. Depending on your imagination, you can see them as transparent worms, tadpoles, circles, even a see-through Yeti out in the Cascades! Once the protein clumps together and makes a floater it is a permanent part of your eye. So the light passes through and creates shadows.įloaters are normally clumps of protein in the vitreous gel. Problem is, before the light gets to the retina it has to pass through the vitreous, where the globs and lines are floating around.
The retina has photosensitive cells called rods and cones that take the light energy and convert it into signals that are carried to the brain by the optic nerve. You see floaters because focused light passes through the lens of your eye heading for the back of the eye, the retina. The vitreous helps maintain the eye’s round shape. Actually, they are shadows cast by objects suspended in the clear, gel-like substance that makes up the vitreous humor, which is the majority of what’s in the interior of your eyes. What are floaters?įloaters appear as if they are on the front of the lens of your eyes. To assuage your potential worry, here’s some information on floaters from the team at The Eye Clinic. Usually, they’re harmless and don’t need any attention, but in some patients they could be a sign of vitreous detachment. What you’re seeing are known as “floaters” and about three quarters of us see them. You’ve seen them before, but in the back of your mind you’ve always wondered if they are something to be concerned about. But when you pull your focus off the distant sky, you notice squiggly lines, spots, or cobwebs floating about seemingly in front of your eyes. Hood enjoying an expansive view backed by a clear blue sky.
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