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.

Cause of Macular Degeneration

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 capillaries

The 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

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.

Choroidal neovascularization is a fancy word that simply means there is new blood vessels (neovascularization) growing from the choroid layer of the retina underneath the fovea.

Choroidal Melanoma

Early detection is very important because this 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 a dark colored spot is detected during a routine eye exam.

Retina Degeneration

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.

When waste products build up and can't be transported away from the macular and likewise if nutrients and oxygen cannot be brought in to feed the macula, there is a loss or dying of cells.

Go from Choroid to Definition of Macular Degeneration

Go from Choroid Layer to WebRN Macular Degeneration Home

Would you like to be updated on:

The latest clinical trials?

√ Prevention of Macular Degeneration?

√ Tips for Daily Living?

√ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet?

√ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight?

If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.

New! Comments