Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy is a disease of the retina due to diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in 20 to 55 year olds. Diabetic retinopathy is characterized by a decreased ability of the eye's vasculature to bring sufficient oxygen to the retinal tissues and an increased permeability of these blood vessels. Some of the resulting changes include hemorrhages, fluid leakage, and new/abnormal blood vessel growth. In turn, these changes disrupt the structure and function of the retinal tissues resulting in vision loss. Eventually permanent damage, scarring, and retinal detachment may occur.
Early detection and close monitoring is essential to reduce the risk of vision loss. In many cases, diabetic retinopathy can be found in an individual with or without symptoms resulting in a diagnosis of the diabetes itself. Intervention in the form of laser treatment is sometimes required to reduce the damage to the retina and maintain the best possible vision. In addition to an annual eye examination with a dilated fundus exam (examination of the internal eye through pupils dilated with eyedrops) for individuals with diabetes, proper consistent control of the diabetes itself is one of the most important measures to prevent diabetic retinopathy.