Retina is a light sensitive layer lining the inside of the eyeball. It consists of millions of photoreceptor cells called rods and cones. Rods enable us to see in dim light while cones allow for daylight, colour and sharp vision. When light rays from an object enters the eye, it passes through the iris and lens and falls on the retina. This is where retina plays the important role of converting light into a language of electrical impulses which then travels through optic nerve to our brain. Hence, it is evident that if your retinal layer gets damaged, it could result in changes in your vision.
What are the symptoms of retinal damage?
One may observe floaters, black spots, reduced central vision, diffuse haziness, drop in low contrast vision, wavy vision or flashes of light. These floaters might settle and appear sporadically. However, flashes of light occur occasionally for few days to weeks. One must consult a retina specialist in case of these symptoms. Eye check-ups at the best eye hospitals regularly conduct retinal examination by dilating the pupils and examining the health of your retina.
Is there any home remedy or special diet/food that can treat retinal damage?
The answer is no. No food or diet can treat retinal damage, however, healthy foods that are rich in nutrients may prevent it. Retina contains nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Vitamin C is known to keep the tissues in our eyes healthy including the blood vessels. The health of retina may also be boosted with Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.
Best Food for Retina?
Dark green leafy vegetables such as Spinach, Kale Mustard Greens, Collard Greens, Chard are rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin. Besides, add Vitamin C rich fruits like oranges, sweetlime, grapes etc as well. Nuts are also abundant source of Vitamin E like walnut, almonds, hazelnuts etc. These list of food are mere generic recommendation, however if you have any kind of allergy that might obstruct you in maintaining health, an eye doctor near you must be consulted for the same.
Forewarnings
It is always better to discuss your food habits and the required changes with your eye specialist. Further, for better visual outcome, one must also inform their intake of any drugs or medication.
Eye diseases like retinal tear, retinal detachment needs immediate medical intervention as the loss of vision is irreversible. Therefore, in such scenarios, to avoid permanent vision loss, one must undergo immediate eye screening tests with the best eye doctor.
