Last update 1 /2010

Eye Research Network Diabetic Retinopathy Kenneth P. Mitton, Ph.D., Editor

Diabetic retinopathy is one of many conditions that are secondary effects of diabetes. Diabetics may suffer from secondary problems such as periferal neuropathy, and circulation problems as well. If you are diabetic it is very important that you are screened on a regular basis for the first signs of diabetic retinopathy by an ophthalmologist. Preferably one with retina specialization. The first signs of this condition may occur at the very perifery of the retina and may be missed by someone not experienced with this disease. The proliferative form of this eye disease is manafested as an abnormal growth of new blood vessels in the retina as well as a damage to normal blood vessels. The exact triggers and causes of these new blood vessel formations (neovascularization) are not known for certain at this time, but much science is devoted to this problem and there are various theories.

Generally, elevated glucose in diabetic patients, causes metabolic alterations that have a detrimental effect over time. The problem is that these new blood vessels are not robust like the kind that are formed normally in the womb before birth. The new blood vessels in diabetic retinopathy are leaky and weak. Furthermore, the normal vessels may also undergo damage and loss of the cells that wrap and insulate these vessels, also leading to leakage (non-proliferative retinopathy). As for all secondary diseases from diabetes, careful diet, exercise, and blood sugar management, go a long way to reducing your risk of developing problems such as retinopathy.