What it means
The retina holds rods (for dim light) and cones (for color and detail), which turn light into nerve signals sent to the brain through the optic nerve. Diabetes and high blood pressure can damage its blood vessels (retinopathy). A detached retina, when it peels away from the back of the eye, is an emergency.
For the nurse
Teach clients to report sudden flashes of light, many new floaters or a curtain over part of the vision, which can mean retinal detachment. Clients with diabetes need a yearly eye exam.
At a glance
| Spanish | retina |
|---|---|
| Also written | retinas, retinae |
Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
glaucoma
An eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually with raised pressure inside the eye, leading to loss of vision.