Retina Service at the University of Washington

The retina consists of an intricate network of nerve-derived cells, starting with the rods and cones, "photoreceptors," which detect characteristics of light entering the eye, and transform it into electrical signals. Some describe the retina loosely as the film in a camera. After instantaneous processing within the retina, this visual information is sent on, and a picture is ultimately created in the brain. Only 1mm or less in thickness, and about the size of a poker chip in area, the retina is the only portion of the body in which microscopic blood vessels can be seen distinctly and studied, using "ophthalmoscopy." Because this crucially important part of the eye is so metabolically active, it actually is served by a second blood supply, called the "choroid." The center of the retina, about 3 millimeters in diameter and visible as a small circular area is the "macula" (Latin for spot).

Diverse diseases affecting the body, ranging from common conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, or eye injuries, to rare genetic disorders or infections often involve the retina. In some cases, it is actually the abnormal fundings in the retina that provide the most important clues to the diagnosis of a systemic disease. At other times, important retinal findings are indicators of disease confined to the eye, perhaps related to other eye conditions. For example, following cataract surgery, internal changes within the "vitreous" (the clear gel-like fluid filling the eye) may increase the risk of retinal tears and retinal detachment.

Our ability to examine the retina and its function, as well as to treat retinal disease, is highly dependent on specialized instruments, many of which have come into use over the last few decades. Lasers, vitrectomy surgery, specialized imaging techniques and the like, are making it possible to manage successfully many more cases of severe diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, cancer of the eye, etc. The impact of years of research, both in the laboratory and in clinical trials, is also having a positive impact on saving sight through treatment of diseases of the retina. Much of this ongoing work is supported by organizations largely dedicated toward increasing our understanding of retinal diseases, such as the National Eye Institute (NEI/NIH), Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., and The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Professor John C. Saari specialize in the biochemistry of the retina and visual transduction, respectively, and are supported in part by these organizations.

Faculty members in the Department of Ophthalmology specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the retina and vitreous include Robert E. Kalina, MD; James L. Kinyoun, MD; Elaine L. Chuang, MD; and David A. Saperstein, MD. Interaction is also close with other ophthalmologists within our Department, including pediatric ophthalmologist Avery H. Weiss, MD, and numerous collaborating vision scientists within the University of Washington School of Medicine. Roberta A. Pagon, MD, from the Division of Medical Genetics, provides valuable input to our retina specialists. Please visit GeneClinics and GeneTests, for up-to-date information relating to genetic testing, and the diagnosis, management, and counseling of individuals and families with inherited disorders.

To schedule an appointment with one of our retinal specialists, please call the UW Eye Center at (206) 598-4011.