Retinopathy
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Overview
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
Many types of retinopathy are progressive and may result in blindness or severe vision loss or impairment, particularly if the macula becomes affected.
Retinopathy is diagnosed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist during ophthalmoscopy. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease.