Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (/ˌdaɪəˈbɛtɪk ˌrɛtɪˈnɒpəθi/), often referred to as DR, is a medical condition that affects the retina due to diabetes. It is a leading cause of blindness in adults.

Etymology

The term "diabetic retinopathy" is derived from "diabetes," a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, and "retinopathy," which refers to disease of the retina. The term was first used in medical literature in the 20th century.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy may include blurred vision, floaters, difficulty seeing at night, and eventually loss of vision. However, in the early stages of the disease, there may be no noticeable symptoms.

Causes

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar levels can damage these vessels, leading to the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for diabetic retinopathy includes laser treatment, vitrectomy, and medication injections into the eye. The specific treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the specific symptoms experienced by the patient.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for diabetic retinopathy include good diabetes management, regular eye exams, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Related Terms

• Diabetes
• Retina
• Blood vessels
• Blindness
• Laser treatment
• Vitrectomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Diabetic retinopathy
• Wikipedia's article - Diabetic retinopathy

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