Diabetes mellitus is a chronic systemic disease, characterized by increased levels
of glucose. It can be divided into two main types: Type 1 (always insulin dependent)
and Type 2 (usually non-insulin dependent). It is caused principally by pancreatic
failure in type 1 diabetes and mix of pancreatic insufficiency and peripheral insulin
resistance in type 2. Retinopathy is a term commonly used to refer to non-inflammatory
damage to the retina of the eye, particularly secondary to a malfunction of the
retinal blood vessels. Retinopathy can frequently be a sign of systemic disease.
Retinopathy secondary to diabetes i.e. diabetic retinopathy is unfortunately a common
complication of diabetes mellitus, which can eventually lead to blindness especially
when blood glucose levels are uncontrolled. It is characterized by varying degree
of damage to the retinal vessel networks, lying on the surface of the retina. The
retinal vessel network is the uniquely easily visible in vivo and viewing the retina
is a common clinical procedure which is useful in the diagnosis of hypertension,
diabetes and several other diseases.
The clinical features of diabetic retinopathy, taken from http://www.eyemdlink.com/pop/eyeAnatomy.htm
All people with diabetes mellitus are at a degree risk of developing diabetic retinopathy
over time. Persistently high levels of blood glucose may damage the circulatory
system which can lead to a series of complications including kidney failure and
cardiac disorders.