Diabetic Retinopathy
The inner most layer of the eye is composed of delicate tissue called the 'retina' which is comparable to the film inside a camera. Visual impulses are received by specialised cells in the retina and transmitted to the brain via the
optic nerve. The central part of the retina which is the most sensitive and enables us to see clearly is called the 'macula'.
The changes involve the small blood vessels of the retina. The inner lining of these blood vessels is weakened and small out-pouchings occur. These are called 'micro-aneurysms'. They become abnormally permeable and allow
substances to leak freely into spaces where they should not normally enter. This results in water-logging of the retina called 'edema' and deposition of lipid material in the retina called 'exudates'. These changes cause symptoms
of blurred vision if situated at the macula.