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Retinal diseases

1-minute read

The retina is a collection of light sensitive nerve cells at the back of the eyeball.

Retinal disorders damage these delicate cells and reduce someone’s ability to see. ‘Macular degeneration’ is damage causing progressive loss of the central (reading) visionOther retinal conditions include floaters in the eye, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. Treatments of retinal diseases aim to slow or halt damage depending on the cause. Follow the links below to find information about retinal diseases.

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Last reviewed: April 2022


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Eyes - age-related macular degeneration - Better Health Channel

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a type of vision loss where there is a distortion or absence of the central field of vision.

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News & Media releases | Glaucoma Australia

Given the convincing findings from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) on supplement recommendations in slowing down progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it is not surprising that the role of diet and supplements has also been examined in glaucoma management

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Retinopathy in diabetes - MyDr.com.au

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. People with retinopathy have damaged blood vessels in the retina.

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Retinal detachment - MyDr.com.au

Retinal detachment (detached retina) is a medical emergency when the retina becomes separated from the inside of the eye.  Warning signs include a sudden increase in floaters or flashes. Seek immediate medical attention. This could save your sight.

Read more on myDr website

Retinal detachment - Better Health Channel

If a detached retina is not treated, it can lead to total blindness.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Diabetic retinopathy | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services

What is it?  A complication of diabetes that can cause damage to blood vessels in the retina at the back of your eyes. This can cause bleeding and swelling, leading to partial or even complete loss of vision.   

Read more on Vision Australia website

Eyes - retinitis pigmentosa - Better Health Channel

Retinitis pigmentosa is the collective name for a range of diseases that damage the retina and cause vision to fade.

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Diabetic Retinopathy | Causes & Treatment | Fred Hollows

The Fred Hollows Foundation's programs treat many diseases like diabetic retinopathy which can lead to blindness. Learn about this terrible eye condition.

Read more on Fred Hollows Foundation website

Retinitis pigmentosa | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services

A complex hereditary eye condition with many variable outcomes. This condition causes cells in the light sensitive retina to degenerate. A variety of symptoms usually develop between the ages of 10 and 30.

Read more on Vision Australia website

Eye anatomy - MyDr.com.au

View this anatomical diagram of the eye, showing the eye structure, including the pupil, iris, cornea, retina and optic nerve.

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