But when retina cells get damaged, they do not regenerate. They don't heal or grow back. The good news is that an eye doctor can repair a damaged retina in most cases. Although a patient may not experience completely restored vision, a timely retinal repair can prevent any further vision loss and stabilize vision.

The most common causes of retina damage are those related to old age, light damage or trauma. Retinal disorders can damage this vital tissue. They can affect your vision, and some can be serious enough to cause blindness.