Retinale

Retinale is an adjective used to describe features related to the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals. The term derives from the Latin retina (net) and is used in several Romance-language scientific writings; in English, the corresponding adjective is retinal.

Anatomy and function: The retina contains multiple layered structures, including the photoreceptor layer with rods and cones, the outer and inner nuclear layers, the ganglion cell layer, and the nerve fiber layer, along with the supporting retinal pigment epithelium. The macula and its central fovea are specialized regions for high-acuity vision. Photoreceptors transduce light into electrical signals that are processed by interneurons and conveyed to the brain via the optic nerve.

Terminology and usage: The English form is retinal, while retinale or retinale appears in some Romance-language texts to indicate retinal tissue or phenomena. In clinical and anatomical contexts, authors may refer to retinal vessels, retinal layers, retinal detachment, or retinal degeneration to denote processes and structures associated with the retina.

Clinical relevance and diagnostics: Retinal disorders are a major area of ophthalmology. Common conditions include diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion, and inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa. Diagnosis relies on ophthalmoscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography to assess structure and blood flow. Treatments vary by condition and can involve laser therapy, intravitreal injections (for example anti-VEGF agents), scleral buckle or vitrectomy procedures, and, in some cases, retinal prostheses or gene therapy.