The retina is a remarkable layer of tissue located at the back of your eyeball. It serves as the bridge between the light that enters your eyes and the images you perceive.
Did you know that the retina is composed of brain tissue? It is the only part of the brain to reside outside of the skull, and it is the only brain tissue that can be viewed and imaged non-invasively with retinal photography and scanning technologies.
By examining the cell layers and blood vessels of the retina, we can detect signs of diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. We may see signs of cholesterol and plaque issues within the small retinal blood vessels, indicating increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.
We can also potentially detect early signs of brain disease and dementia. There is ongoing research into AI-powered analyses of retinal tissue related to early detection of dementia and other brain disorders. Advancements in this area of retinal diagnostics will progress quickly.
We know that keeping your retina healthy involves a number of healthy lifestyle choices:
- Getting regular exercise and optimizing cardiovascular health
- Avoiding smoking
- Getting consistent, good-quality sleep
- Eating a nutritious diet, filled with antioxidants from fruits & vegetables and omega 3 oils from marine sources (Mediterranean diet for example)
Not surprisingly, dietary supplements for eye health and brain health show similar benefits. The carotenoid vitamins, lutein and zeaxanthin, are important for preventing macular degeneration and are supporters of brain health and cognitive function as we age. Omega 3 oils too, are crucial to optimal brain and eye health.
The retina acts as a window into overall health, including brain health. Regular eye exams with your doctor of optometry may offer valuable clues about conditions affecting everything from cardiovascular health to cognition.
By Dr. Scharf