Word parts
What it means
Damage to the tiny blood vessels of the retina, which can lead to vision loss. Diabetic retinopathy, from long-term high blood sugar, is a leading cause of blindness in adults. Hypertensive retinopathy comes from high blood pressure. Retinopathy of prematurity affects babies born very early, when the retina's vessels grow abnormally.
For the nurse
Teach clients with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year, and that good control of blood sugar and blood pressure slows the damage. Report sudden vision changes, floaters or flashes.
At a glance
| Spanish | retinopatía |
|---|---|
| Also written | retinopathies |
Related terms
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
glaucoma
An eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually with raised pressure inside the eye, leading to loss of vision.
-pathy
A word ending that means disease of a part, or feeling.
macular degeneration
An eye disease in which the macula, the center of the retina used for sharp, straight-ahead vision, slowly breaks down.