World Retina Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness about retinal health, the conditions that can affect the retina, and the importance of recognising changes in vision early.
The retina is a thin, light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. It plays a vital role in vision by converting light into signals that are sent to the brain. The macula, located at the centre of the retina, is responsible for the sharp central vision we use for activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
This year, Retina South Africa is marking World Retina Week with the theme “Living Well with Sight Loss”, highlighting not only retinal disease, but also the importance of independence, support, rehabilitation, assistive technology and access to appropriate care for people living with vision loss.
Retinal conditions can affect vision in different ways
There are many different conditions that can affect the retina.
These include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases.
Some retinal conditions progress gradually, while others can develop suddenly and require urgent treatment.
Diabetic retinopathy, for example, can begin with little or no noticeable change in vision. It affects the small blood vessels of the retina and can become sight-threatening if the disease progresses.
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula and can lead to progressive loss or distortion of central vision, affecting activities such as reading, driving and recognising faces.
Retinal detachment is different because it is a medical emergency. A detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss if it is not treated promptly.
Vision changes you should never ignore
Some eye symptoms require prompt assessment.
Seek urgent eye care if you suddenly experience:
- a large increase in new floaters
- flashes of light
- a dark shadow or curtain moving across your vision
- sudden loss of vision
- sudden distortion or a major change in your sight
Sudden flashes, many new floaters or a curtain-like shadow can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment and should be assessed urgently.
Why early detection matters
Not every retinal condition causes obvious symptoms in its early stages.
This is one reason regular comprehensive eye examinations can be important, particularly for people with diabetes, a family history of retinal disease, previous eye surgery, eye trauma or other known risk factors.
A retinal examination allows an eye-care professional to look at the structures at the back of the eye and identify changes that may require monitoring, further investigation or treatment.
With some retinal diseases, early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision or reduce the risk of further damage.
Retinal health and diabetes
People living with diabetes should pay particular attention to retinal health.
Diabetic retinopathy develops when diabetes damages the small blood vessels in the retina. In its early stages it may cause no symptoms, while more advanced disease can lead to bleeding, retinal swelling, abnormal new blood vessels and, in severe cases, retinal detachment or significant vision loss.
Regular eye examinations form an important part of diabetes care, even when vision appears normal.
Living well with sight loss
World Retina Week is also a reminder that a diagnosis of retinal disease does not remove a person’s independence, abilities or place in society.
Retina South Africa’s 2026 message, “Living Well with Sight Loss,” focuses on helping people access information, counselling, low-vision support, assistive technology, rehabilitation and community support.
Advances in research are also changing the landscape of retinal care. Gene-based treatments, new therapies and clinical trials are being explored for several inherited and acquired retinal conditions, although not every condition currently has an available treatment and access varies between countries.
Protecting your retinal health
Some retinal conditions cannot be prevented, but there are practical steps that can support overall eye health.
Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, not smoking, attending recommended eye examinations and seeking help promptly when vision changes can all play an important role.
Most importantly, do not ignore sudden changes in vision. Your eyesight can sometimes change quietly, but it can also send very clear warning signals.
Certain conditions can be supported by specific supplements and dietary changes.
This World Retina Week
World Retina Week is a reminder to pay attention to your vision, encourage family members to do the same, and seek professional assessment when something does not feel right.
Protecting vision begins with awareness.
If you experience sudden flashes, new floaters, a curtain or shadow in your vision, sudden distortion or sudden vision loss, seek urgent eye care.
Virida Day Hospital
Virida Day Hospital supports specialist day procedures and patient-centred care in a modern clinical environment.
For medical advice or concerns about your vision, please consult an appropriate eye-care professional.
