What Is Retinal Disease? A Plain-Language Guide to the Back of Your Eye, Its Warning Signs, and Its Treatment

Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 17, 2026

Quick Answer

Retinal disease is damage to the retina, the thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that sends visual information to the brain [1]. Symptoms include floaters, blurred or distorted vision and loss of side vision [1]. Sudden floaters, flashes or reduced vision need help right away [1]. Treatments include laser repair, surgery and eye injections [2].

What the research says

• Age-related macular degeneration affects a large share of older adults worldwide. A meta-analysis of 39 studies including 129,664 people estimated the pooled prevalence (mapped to ages 45–85) at 8.01% for early, 0.37% for late, and 8.69% for any age-related macular degeneration. The authors projected about 196 million people with the condition in 2020, rising to 288 million in 2040. (Wong et al., Lancet Glob Health, 2014) [6]

• About 1 in 5 people with diabetes has diabetic retinopathy. A meta-analysis of 59 population-based studies found a global prevalence among people with diabetes of 22.27% (95% CI 19.73–25.03) for diabetic retinopathy, 6.17% for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and 4.07% for clinically significant macular edema. An estimated 103.12 million adults had diabetic retinopathy in 2020, projected to reach 160.50 million by 2045. (Teo et al., Ophthalmology, 2021) [7]

• Retinal detachment surgery can carry complications of its own. In a meta-analysis of 33 studies including 2,673 eyes that had a retinectomy during surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, the pooled incidence of postoperative hypotony (very low eye pressure) was 13.71% (95% CI 10.40–17.40). Higher hypotony incidence was associated with lower rates of visual improvement across studies. (Ağın and Artunay, Surv Ophthalmol, 2026) [8]

What Is a Retinal Disease?

Your eye is like a camera. Light enters through the front and lands on a thin layer of tissue lining the inside back wall of the eye [1]. That layer is the retina. It contains millions of light-sensitive cells called rods and cones, along with other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information [1]. The retina then sends this information to your brain through the optic nerve, enabling you to see [1].

In the center of the retina sits the macula — the area responsible for clear central vision. It is packed densely with cones, which give you color vision, and rods, which let you see shades of gray [1].

Retinal diseases vary widely, but most of them cause visual symptoms [1]. They can affect any part of the retina [1]. The good news is that treatment is available for some retinal diseases. Depending on your condition, treatment goals may be to stop or slow the disease, which may help preserve, improve, or restore your vision [1]. Untreated, some retinal diseases can cause severe vision loss or blindness [1].

What Are the Main Types of Retinal Disease?

Seven common retinal diseases and conditions account for most diagnoses. Each one damages the retina in a different way.

Retinal Disease	What Happens	What It Does to Your Vision
Retinal tear	The vitreous (the clear, gel-like substance in the center of your eye) shrinks and tugs on the retina, causing a tear [1]	Often starts with sudden floaters and flashing lights [1]
Retinal detachment	Fluid passes through a retinal tear and lifts the retina away from the underlying tissue layers [1]	Serious, vision-threatening; requires urgent treatment
Diabetic retinopathy	Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye; they leak fluid or grow new irregular capillaries that break and bleed [1]	The retina swells, blurring or distorting vision [1]
Epiretinal membrane	A delicate, scar-like membrane like crinkled cellophane forms on top of the retina and pulls on it [1]	Objects appear blurred or crooked [1]
Macular hole	A small defect opens in the macula, the center of the retina [1]	Damages central vision; may follow injury or unusual pulling between the retina and vitreous [1]
Macular degeneration	The center of the retina begins to deteriorate [1]	Blurred central vision or a blind spot in the center of your visual field; comes in dry and wet forms [1] [5]
Retinitis pigmentosa	An inherited degenerative disease slowly affects the retina [1]	Gradual loss of night and side vision [1]

Macular degeneration deserves special attention because it is so common. There are two types — wet and dry. Many people first have the dry form, which can progress to the wet form in one or both eyes [1].

What Do Retinal Diseases Feel Like?

Many retinal diseases share some common symptoms. You may notice one or more of the following.

Symptom	What It Looks or Feels Like
Floaters	Seeing floating specks or cobwebs drifting across your vision [1]
Distortion	Blurred or distorted vision in which straight lines can look wavy [1]
Side-vision gaps	Defects in the side vision, as if part of the picture is missing [1]
Vision loss	Patches or areas of your vision that go dim or go dark [1]

One practical tip: you may need to try looking with each eye alone to notice these changes [1]. Closing one eye at a time may help you notice subtle symptoms early [5].

When Should You See a Doctor Right Away?

See a doctor right away for retinal disease warning signs, such as sudden floaters, flashes of light or reduced vision. Seek immediate medical attention if you suddenly have [1]:

• Floaters

• Flashes of light

• Reduced vision

These are warning signs of potentially serious retinal disease [1]. Retinal problems such as a new tear can sometimes be treated quickly before they cause a full detachment [2] — but only if you act fast.

What Causes Retinal Disease?

Each retinal disease has its own cause. In a retinal tear, the clear gel-like substance in the center of your eye, called the vitreous, shrinks and tugs on the thin retina lining the back of the eye [1]. In diabetic retinopathy, diabetes causes the tiny blood vessels in the back of your eye to deteriorate and leak fluid into and under the retina, causing it to swell [1]. A macular hole may develop from atypical traction between the retina and the vitreous, or it may follow an injury to the eye [1]. Retinitis pigmentosa is inherited — passed down in families as a degenerative disease [1]. And macular degeneration happens when the center of the retina begins to deteriorate, first in the dry form and sometimes progressing to the wet form [1].

Who Is at Risk for Retinal Disease?

Six factors raise the chance of developing a retinal disease [1].

Risk Factor	Why It Matters
Aging	The vitreous shrinks and tugs on the retina over time; the macula wears down with age [1] [5]
Smoking	A known risk factor for retinal disease [1] [5]
Being obese	Linked with a higher risk of retinal disease [1] [5]
Having diabetes or other diseases	Diabetes damages the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye [1]
Eye trauma	An injury to the eye can damage the retina or open a macular hole [1]
A family history of retinal diseases	Some retinal conditions, like retinitis pigmentosa, are inherited [1]

How Is Retinal Disease Diagnosed?

To make a diagnosis, an ophthalmologist (an eye doctor who specializes in medical and surgical eye care) performs a thorough eye exam and looks for irregularities anywhere in the eye [2]. Several tests can find the location and extent of the disease [2].

Test	What It Does
Amsler grid test	A grid of lines checks the clarity of your central vision. You report if lines seem faded, broken, or distorted — and where [2]. If you have macular degeneration, you may use this grid to self-monitor your condition at home [2] [3] [5].
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)	Captures precise images of the retina. Helps diagnose epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and macular swelling (edema) [2], and monitors wet macular degeneration and its response to treatment [2] [5].
Fundus autofluorescence (FAF)	Highlights lipofuscin, a retinal pigment that increases with retinal damage or dysfunction, helping determine the stage of diseases like macular degeneration [2] [5].
Fluorescein angiography	A dye makes the retina's blood vessels stand out under special light, revealing closed, leaking, or new irregular blood vessels [2].
Indocyanine green angiography	A different dye lights up under infrared light, showing the retinal blood vessels and the deeper, harder-to-see vessels behind the retina in a tissue called the choroid [2].
Ultrasound	High-frequency sound waves view the retina and other eye structures [2]; can help diagnose and treat eye tumors [2].
CT and MRI	Used in rare instances to help evaluate eye injuries or tumors [2].

How Is Retinal Disease Treated?

The main goals of treatment are to stop or slow disease progression and preserve, improve, or restore your vision [2]. In many cases, damage that has already happened can't be reversed, making early detection important [2]. Your eye doctor will work with you to decide on the best treatment. Treatment of retinal disease may be complex and sometimes urgent [2].

Procedures That Repair or Protect the Retina

Procedure	How It Works	What It Treats
Laser surgery	Heats small pinpoints on the retina, creating scarring that usually binds the retina to the underlying tissue. Immediate laser treatment of a new tear can decrease the chance it causes a retinal detachment [2].	Retinal tear or hole
Scatter laser photocoagulation	Shrinks irregular new blood vessels that are bleeding or threatening to bleed into the eye. Extensive use may cause loss of some side or night vision [2].	Diabetic retinopathy
Cryopexy (freezing)	A freezing probe applied to the outside wall of the eye freezes the retina inside; the treated area later scars and secures the retina to the eye wall [2].	Retinal tear
Pneumatic retinopexy (air or gas injection)	Injecting air or gas into the eye helps repair certain types of retinal detachment; can be combined with cryopexy or laser [2].	Certain retinal detachments
Scleral buckling	A small piece of silicone is sewn to the outside of the eye (the sclera), indenting it. This relieves some of the force from the vitreous tugging on the retina and reattaches the retina. May be used with other treatments [2].	Retinal detachment
Vitrectomy	The surgeon removes the gel-like vitreous fluid and replaces it with air, gas, or liquid. Used when bleeding or inflammation clouds the vitreous and blocks the view of the retina [2].	Retinal tear, diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, infection, eye trauma, or retinal detachment
Injecting medicine into the eye	Medicine injected into the vitreous.	Wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or broken blood vessels within the eye [2] [5]
Retinal prosthesis implant	A tiny electrode chip is implanted in the retina and receives input from a video camera on a pair of eyeglasses, relaying visual information the damaged retina can no longer process [2].	Severe vision loss or blindness from certain inherited retinal diseases

How Can You Cope With Vision Changes?

Vision loss from retinal disease can affect your ability to read, recognize faces, and drive [2] [4]. Several practical steps can help you adapt.

Coping Strategy	What It Involves
Update your eyeglasses	Ask your eye doctor to check your prescription and bring it to maximum strength; if stronger glasses don't help, ask for a referral to a low-vision specialist [2].
Use prescribed magnifiers	Hand-held lenses, magnifying glasses worn like spectacles, or a closed-circuit television system that magnifies reading material onto a video screen. Over-the-counter magnifiers may not work as well [2] [5].
Adjust your computer	Change font size and monitor contrast; add speech-output systems or other assistive technologies [2].
Use electronic reading aids	Talking watches, clocks, and calculators; large-print books; tablets; audiobooks; low-vision apps; voice-recognition features [2] [5].
Choose low-vision appliances	Clocks, radios, and phones with extra-large numbers; a larger high-definition TV screen, or sit closer to the screen [2].
Brighten your home	Better lighting helps with reading and daily activities and may reduce the risk of falling [2] [5].
Plan your transportation	Ask your doctor if it is safe to drive; be extra cautious at night, in heavy traffic, or in bad weather; use public transportation, family or friends, van or shuttle services, volunteer driving networks, or ride-shares [2].
Get support	A retinal condition can be difficult and bring up many emotions as you adjust. Consider talking to a counselor or joining a support group [2], and spend time with supportive family members and friends [2].

How Should You Prepare for Your Eye Appointment?

To check for retinal disease, a dilated eye exam is usually necessary [2]. Make an appointment with a doctor who specializes in eye care — an optometrist or an ophthalmologist — who can perform a complete eye exam [2].

Before your appointment, list your symptoms (including any that seem unrelated to your vision problem), all medications, vitamins, and supplements with doses, and your questions. Ask a family member or friend to accompany you, because having your pupils dilated for the exam will affect your vision for a time afterward, and you may need someone to drive [2].

Here are questions worth asking your doctor:

• How advanced is my condition?

• Is it safe for me to drive?

• Will I experience further vision loss?

• Can my condition be treated?

• Will taking a vitamin or mineral supplement help prevent further vision loss?

• What's the best way to monitor my vision for any changes?

• What changes in my symptoms warrant calling you?

• What low-vision aids might be helpful to me?

• What lifestyle changes can I make to protect my vision [2]?

And expect your doctor to ask you:

• When did you first notice your vision problem?

• Does the condition affect one or both eyes?

• Do you have trouble seeing things near you, at a distance, or both?

• Do you smoke or did you ever smoke? If so, how much?

• Do you have other medical problems, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes?

• Do you have a family history of retinal disease?

• Have you experienced an injury to your eye [2]?

What is the bottom line on retinal disease?

Your retina does the heavy lifting of vision — it catches the light and sends the picture to your brain [1]. When diseases damage it, the warning signs are usually visual: floaters, flashes, wavy lines, side-vision gaps, and vision loss [1]. The fastest way to protect your sight is to act on those warnings the same day they appear, get a thorough dilated eye exam, and follow a treatment plan matched to your specific condition. In many cases, damage already done cannot be reversed [2] — but early detection gives treatment the best chance to stop or slow the disease and preserve what you can see.

Take the next step: If you are noticing floaters, flashing lights, wavy lines, or any sudden change in your vision, schedule a dilated eye exam with an eye care professional right away. Early detection is your best defense against permanent vision loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the retina?

The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the inside back wall of your eye [1]. It contains millions of rods and cones plus other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information, then send it to your brain through the optic nerve so you can see [1].

What are the most common symptoms of retinal disease?

Seeing floating specks or cobwebs, blurred or distorted vision where straight lines look wavy, defects in your side vision, and vision loss [1]. You may need to look with each eye alone to notice these changes [1].

Are sudden floaters and flashes an emergency?

Yes. Sudden floaters, flashes, or reduced vision are warning signs of potentially serious retinal disease [1]. Seek immediate medical attention — a new retinal tear treated right away can decrease the chance of a retinal detachment [2].

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Both forms involve the center of the retina deteriorating, causing blurred central vision or a blind spot in the center of your visual field [1]. Many people first have the dry form, which can progress to the wet form in one or both eyes [1].

Can retinal disease be cured?

In many cases, damage that has already happened cannot be reversed, which is why early detection is important [2]. But treatment is available for many retinal diseases, with goals of stopping or slowing the disease and preserving, improving, or restoring vision [1] [2].

How do eye doctors diagnose retinal disease?

Through a thorough eye exam plus tests such as the Amsler grid (checking central vision with a line grid), optical coherence tomography (precise retinal images), fundus autofluorescence (staging with a fluorescent retinal pigment), fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (dyes that light up the blood vessels), ultrasound, and, rarely, CT or MRI [2].

Does diabetes really damage the eyes?

Yes. In diabetic retinopathy, the tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye deteriorate and leak fluid into and under the retina, causing it to swell and blur or distort vision [1]. New, irregular capillaries can also form, break, and bleed [1], worsening vision further.

Is there treatment for people who have already lost most of their vision?

For people with severe vision loss or blindness from certain inherited retinal diseases, surgery can implant a tiny electrode chip (a retinal prosthesis) in the retina. It receives input from a video camera mounted on eyeglasses and relays visual information that the damaged retina can no longer process [2].

Related Reading

• Dry Macular Degeneration: Complete Guide to Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Complete Guide

• Retinal Detachment: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Complete Guide

• Eye Floaters: Causes, Symptoms & When to Seek Urgent Care

Retinal Imaging: Fundus Photos, OCT and Angiography Explained explains the photos and scans used to check the back of the eye.

References

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. Retinal diseases: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. March 8, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-diseases/symptoms-causes/syc-20355825

2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Retinal diseases: Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. March 8, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/retinal-diseases/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355827

3. Boyd K. All about the Amsler grid and daily vision checks for AMD. Reviewed by Janigian RH Jr. Edited by Turbert D. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published December 19, 2025. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-amsler-grid-daily-vision-test

4. National Eye Institute. At a glance: Low vision. National Eye Institute. Last updated November 15, 2023. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/low-vision

5. Flaxel CJ, Adelman RA, Bailey ST, et al. Age-related macular degeneration preferred practice pattern. Ophthalmology. 2020;127(1):P1-P65. PMID 31757502. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.09.024

6. Wong WL, Su X, Li X, et al. Global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration and disease burden projection for 2020 and 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2014;2(2):e106-e116. PMID 25104651. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(13)70145-1

7. Teo ZL, Tham YC, Yu M, et al. Global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and projection of burden through 2045: systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2021;128(11):1580-1591. PMID 33940045. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.04.027

8. Ağın A, Artunay O. Postoperative hypotony after retinectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surv Ophthalmol. 2026;71(6):1607-1619. PMID 42251867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2026.06.006

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified eye care professional for any questions about your vision or eye health. Do not ignore sudden changes in your vision — seek immediate medical attention.