Retinopathy

Retinopathy is a general term that refers to some form of non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye. Most commonly it is a problem with the blood supply that is the cause for this condition. Frequently, retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of systemic disease.

Main causes of retinopathy are :

• diabetes - diabetic retinopathy
• arterial hypertension - hypertensive retinopathy
• prematurity of the newborn - retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
• sickle cell anemia
• direct sunlight exposure - solar retinopathy
• medicinal products - drug-related retinopathy
• retinal vein or artery occlusion

Retinopathy can progress to blindness if is severe or affects the macula.

Retinopathy is diagnosed by an optometrist or an ophhtalmologist during a form of eye examination called a fundus exam. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease.