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Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of diabetes which
affects the inner eye.
It is due to the harmful reaction of prolonged hyperglycemia in the
small vessels of the retina (the eye’s nervous layer which utilizes
optical signals). It is a progressive disease that if not treated early,
may have catastrophic consequences for vision.
The symptoms of diabetes are characterized by the classic triad of
polyurea, polydipsia and high appetite. The kidneys cannot absorb
glucose when that is raised above a certain level, and thus glucose is
excreted with the urine, hence polyurea. The loss of water causes the
feeling of thirst (polydipsia), while the increase in appetite is a result
of the body using more energy.
Diabetes is a very serious disease that involves most organ systems.
Without treatment, it can cause serious health problems, even death.
Diabetes has now reached epidemic proportions worldwide. It is
estimated that more than 400 million people suffer from diabetes
and the economic cost of its effects is reaching half a trillion euros
in 2014. In Greece the known diabetics amount to 400,000 but
considering the undiagnosed patients, the total number may be in
excess of 600,000.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Who is in danger of acquiring
diabetic retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition which poses a threat to
sight regardless of its type.
The longer the time that someone suffers with diabetes, the greater
the danger of acquiring diabetic retinopathy. One has to estimate
