Diabetic Retinopathy

Generality

Diabetic retinopathy is a late complication of diabetes. The condition, in fact, usually manifests itself after years from the onset of the diabetic disease, especially when it is not treated adequately.

The determining factor that leads to the development of this pathology is the alteration of the microvascular system (microangiopathy), which involves damage to the walls of the small blood vessels (capillaries), in particular the kidney (diabetic glomerulopathy), peripheral nervous system (diabetic neuropathy) and retina (diabetic retinopathy). Basically, due to chronic hyperglycemia, there is an increase in capillary permeability and the subsequent accumulation of fluid in the affected tissue. As diabetic retinopathy becomes more severe, new blood vessels begin to form on the retina, which can rupture and cause a narrowing. of the variable entity view.

Diabetic retinopathy usually affects both eyes. At first, the disease may cause only mild vision problems or be asymptomatic, but its progression can lead to blindness, which in many cases cannot be reversed. For this reason, patients with diabetes are recommended to have a thorough eye examination at least once a year to monitor the course of diabetic retinopathy. If the disease is detected in time, it can be effectively treated with photocoagulation laser therapy. manifesting the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, the condition can be very difficult to manage.

Causes