DIABETIC RETINOPATHY Meaning and
Definition
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Diabetic retinopathy is a medical condition that affects the eyes and is caused by diabetes. It is a complication of long-term, uncontrolled diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye. The retina plays a crucial role in vision, as it converts light into signals that are sent to the brain for visual interpretation.
In diabetic retinopathy, the high levels of sugar in the blood associated with diabetes cause damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative and proliferative.
Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the early stage of the disease where the blood vessels in the retina become weakened and leaky, leading to the formation of small areas of swelling called microaneurysms. As the disease progresses, blood and other fluids can leak into the retina, causing blurry or distorted vision.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the advanced stage of the disease where the damaged blood vessels in the retina become blocked, leading to the growth of new, abnormal blood vessels. These new blood vessels are fragile and can easily rupture, causing hemorrhages in the eye. As a result, scar tissue forms, which can contract and cause the retina to detach, leading to severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated.
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness among adults with diabetes. However, with proper management and control of diabetes, lifestyle changes, regular eye examinations, and various treatment options (such as laser therapy or surgery), the progression of the disease can be slowed or halted, reducing the risk of vision loss.
Common Misspellings for DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
- siabetic retinopathy
- xiabetic retinopathy
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Etymology of DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
The word "diabetic retinopathy" has its roots in the Greek and Latin languages.
The term "diabetic" derives from the Greek word "diabetes" (διαβήτης), meaning "to pass through" or "to siphon". It was used to describe the excessive urination associated with diabetes mellitus. The word "diabetes" is composed of the Greek prefix "dia-" meaning "through" and the word "bainein" meaning "to go".
The term "retinopathy" is a combination of the Latin word "retina", which refers to the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, and the Greek suffix "-pathy", which indicates a pathological or abnormal condition.
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