What Are The Common Retinal Diseases?

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease where the tiny blood vessels in the retina become damaged as a result of high blood sugar. Healthy individuals do not have frequent and persistent problems with high blood glucose in the same way diabetes patients do. The disease is called diabetic retinopathy due to this reason. Mild cases of this disease result in regions of balloon-like swelling in the tiny blood vessels of the retina that may leak fluid. As the disease worsens, the blood vessels that supply the retina can become distorted and swollen. These vessels may also no longer be able to transport blood.

In severe cases of diabetic retinopathy, the blood supply is considerably decreased to areas of the retina. Due to the deprivation of blood, growth factors stimulate the retina to grow more blood vessels. In the most advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, new blood vessels develop excessively to the point where they invade into the vitreous gel or the fluid inside of the eye. The new blood vessels bleed and leak fluid, resulting in the growth of scar tissues that may detach the retina. When the retina becomes detached, permanent vision loss occurs. Treatment with laser surgery may help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Get more information regarding the common types of retinal diseases now.