diabetic retinopathy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

While early damage may be managed and progression slowed or halted with tight glucose control and treatments like laser therapy or injections, some of the structural damage to the retina is often irreversible. The goal is to prevent further vision loss.

Anyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is at risk. The risk increases with the duration of diabetes, poor blood sugar control, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and pregnancy.

In early stages, there are often no symptoms. As it progresses, symptoms can include blurred or fluctuating vision, dark or empty areas in vision, difficulty with colour perception, and sudden vision loss if bleeding occurs.

Treatment depends on the stage and type. Options include strict glycemic control, intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF drugs), laser treatment (photocoagulation), and vitrectomy surgery for advanced cases.

A complication of diabetes mellitus that damages the blood vessels of the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy is usually technical/medical in register.

Diabetic retinopathy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˌbet.ɪk ˌret.ɪˈnɒp.ə.θi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪ.əˈbet̬.ɪk ˌret̬.əˈnɑː.pə.θi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.