retinaaliverisuonisto

Retinaaliverisuonisto, also known as the retinal vasculature, refers to the network of blood vessels within the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This intricate system is crucial for maintaining the health and function of the retina, providing it with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. The retinal blood vessels are unique in that they are directly visible through the pupil, allowing ophthalmologists to assess their condition during a routine eye examination.

The retinal vasculature consists of arteries, which carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, and veins, which return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. These vessels branch extensively to supply all parts of the retina, ensuring adequate perfusion. The two main systems are the central retinal artery and the central retinal vein, which enter the eye through the optic nerve. They then divide into smaller branches, including superior and inferior arcuate arterioles and venules.

Disruptions to the retinal vasculature can lead to a variety of serious eye conditions. For instance, blockages in retinal arteries or veins can cause sudden vision loss due to stroke or infarction. Conditions like diabetic retinopathy and hypertensive retinopathy involve damage to these blood vessels caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, respectively, leading to leakage, bleeding, and the formation of abnormal new vessels. Assessing the health of the retinaaliverisuonisto is therefore a vital component of eye care and the early detection of systemic diseases.