Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in the Western world in the 20-60 year age range. About 80-90 per cent of patients will show the condition after 20 years or so. The characteristics are capillary dilation and leakage, capillary occlusion and eventually new vessel formation. The many stages of the degradation of the tissue of the eye can be readily observed. The culmination of haemorrhage, hypoxia, exudates, and formation of new blood vessels will cause permanent damage and visual impairment.
Macular oedema is a further complication and presents as a thickening of the retina near the fovea.
Risk control includes good blood sugar monitoring and control of any hypertension. 60 per cent of whom will progress to renal failure. Diabetes is the most common cause of this condition with more than 10 per cent of those requiring transplant or dialysis are diabetic. Diabetic neuropathy Diabetic neuropathy may affect any part of the nervous system. The appreciation of touch, pain, and temperature may be lost and this can lead to un-noticed damage leading to ulceration, gangrene and amputation.