Retinal ganglion cells

retinal ganglion cells

Retinal ganglion cells are specialized nerve cells in the eye that collect visual information from other retinal neurons and send it to the brain. They sit in the innermost layer of the retina and have long fibers called axons that bundle together to form the optic nerve. These cells translate patterns of light into electrical signals that the brain interprets as shapes, motion, color, and contrast. Because each cell connects to many different photoreceptors and interneurons, they help filter and refine the visual message before it leaves the eye. Healthy retinal ganglion cells are essential for sharp, reliable vision. These cells are especially important because they cannot easily be replaced if lost, so damage leads to lasting vision problems. Conditions such as glaucoma, optic nerve injury, and some inherited diseases cause these cells to die or lose function, creating blind spots or gradual vision loss. That vulnerability is why researchers focus on protecting them, improving blood supply, and finding ways to encourage repair or regrowth. Emerging approaches include drugs that reduce harmful signals, gene treatments that promote survival, and therapies aimed at regenerating their axons. Understanding retinal ganglion cells helps explain how vision is lost in many diseases and points to strategies to preserve or restore sight.