Please verify your email address to receive email notifications.

Enter your email address

We have sent you a verification email. Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Unable to send verification, please refresh and try again later.

  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is diabetic retinopathy?

    Related Topics
    Diabetic Retinopathy Endocrinology
    answer this question

  • Find a professional to answer your question

  • Rowan Prendergast

    Optometrist

    Rowan has over ten years experience as an optometrist and since graduation from Melbourne University has worked throughout Australia and in the UK, in all … View Profile

    Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which the retina at the back of the eye becomes gradually functionally impaired.  It begins in the walls of the tiny blood vessels of the retina.  Pericyte damage causes the blood vessels to pouch outwards (micro-aneurysm) or actually leak blood (haemorrhage).  This can lead to nerve fibre damage or new blood vessel growth which may effect sight through swelling or distortion of the retina.

    Diabetic retinopathy does not initially cause visual symptoms and it is recommended that all individuals with diabetes have their eyes examined annually so that their optometrist can check for early signs of diabetic changes.  Eye checks can be conveniently booked online at http://www.opsm.com.au

    Reply to this post
     · 
    Report
    Reply to this post

    You must be a Health Professional to reply to this post. to your account or now (it's free).

answer this question

You must be a Health Professional to answer this question. Log in or Sign up .

You may also like these related questions

Community Sponsor(s)
Related Fact Sheets
Related Questions

Empowering Australians to make better health choices