The Choroid Layer of the Retina

The choroid layer of the retina if made up mostly of blood vessels. It plays a very important role in our eye health and conversely if there is an impairment of this layer, macular degeneration can develop.

The three layers of tissue that lie beneath the retina are:

1) Choroid

2) Bruch's Membrane

3) Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Rods and cones are supplied with oxygen and nourishment by these supporting tissues. These layers are also responsible for removing built up waste.

If the rods and cones don't receive the oxygen they need or if waste builds up and clogs the delivery and removal process, macular degeneration develops.

This important layer of the retina:

√ is made of blood vessels and capillariesThe capillary layer is called the choriocapillaris. It lies directly under Bruch’s membrane and supplies oxygen and nutrients to the photoreceptor cells.

√ lies between the retina and the sclera

√ nourishes the back of the eye including the rods and cones and the retinal pigment epithelium

√ is the only source of blood to the macula

Choroidal Neovascularization

In macular degeneration fragile, leaky blood vessels grow from this vascular layer and leak into spaces above and below the rods and cones.

When the rods and cones are flooded with this blood and fluid, they are damaged and destroyed. The result of these photoreceptor cells dying is loss of vision. To read more click here: Neovascularization

Choroidal Melanoma

It is a cancer of the eye that develops in the this layer of the retina. It is made up of melanocytes just like a melanoma that develops from a mole on your skin.

Early detection is very important. This type of tumor may spread to areas around the eye or metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body such as the liver and the lung.

Usually there are no symptoms, but rather this dark colored spot is detected during a routine eye exam.

Retina Degeneration

Retina degeneration is a general term for diseases that affect the retina, the light sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye and where images are created. Degeneration implies a progressive loss of function and dying of cells. The retina is responsible for sending the visual images to the brain via the optic nerve. Any degeneration or degradation of the retina leads to loss of vision. This degeneration is often the result of the layers of the retina not functioning correctly. To learn more click here: Retina Degeneration

Go from Choroid to Definition of Macular Degeneration

Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN

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