Diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy can steal your vision silently
In short: Retinopathy, caused by diabetes or hypertension, damages the retina's blood vessels, leading to vision loss. Early symptoms are subtle, but without treatment, blindness is possible. This animation explains how it happens and how to catch it before it's too late.
Retinopathy is a serious eye condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. It occurs when small blood vessels in the retina are damaged, often due to diabetes or hypertension. These conditions cause persistent high blood pressure or high blood sugar levels, which weaken and damage the blood vessels in the retina. The damage can lead to leakage, bleeding, and the formation of abnormal blood vessels, all of which can impair vision and, in severe cases, lead to blindness.
In the early stages of retinopathy, known as non-proliferative retinopathy, weakened blood vessels may bulge, forming aneurysms. These aneurysms can leak fluid into the retina, causing symptoms like floaters, blurred vision, or even double vision. Patients may also develop cotton-wool spots, which are small white patches on the retina that indicate areas of poor blood supply. These symptoms are often subtle and may not be noticed until the condition has progressed.
As retin, proliferative retinopathy, the body attempts to compensate for the damaged blood vessels by growing new, abnormal vessels. These vessels are fragile and can bleed into the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. This bleeding can cause dark spots, cloudy vision, or even temporary total vision loss. In severe cases, the abnormal vessels can lead to scar formation, retinal detachment, or glaucoma, all of which can result in permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis through a comprehensive eye exam is crucial to prevent these complications.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Retinopathy: Diabetic and Hypertensive, Animation.
- Also: www.nhs.uk — Diabetic retinopathy
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/health-retinopathy-diabetic-and-hypertensive-animation.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Health · Latest · A–Z · All topics
