Diabetic retinopathy

Definition:

Progressive damage to the eye's retina caused by long-term uncontrolled diabetes; it can result in loss of vision.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Diabetic retinopathy is a cause of blindness. People with both noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. The incidence and severity of the retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes and appears to be worse if control of the diabetes is poor in the first years of onset. Almost all people who have had diabetes for more than 30 years will show signs of retinal damage. Blacks and women with diabetes are at higher risk of developing retinopathy. Hemorrhage and swelling, leaking of fluid into the retina, and new growth of blood vessels within the eye can occur and contribute to the loss of vision.