Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Retinopathy
Retinopathy is a general term that refers to some form of non-inflammatory damage to the retina of the eye. Most commonly it is a problem with the blood supply that is the cause for this condition. Frequently, retinopathy is an ocular manifestation of systemic disease.
Main causes of retinopathy are :
- diabetes - diabetic retinopathy
- arterial hypertension - hypertensive retinopathy
- prematurity of the newborn - retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- sickle cell anemia
- direct sunlight exposure - solar retinopathy
- medicinal products - drug-related retinopathy
- retinal vein or artery occlusion
Retinopathy can progress to blindness if is severe or affects the macula.
Retinopathy is diagnosed by an optometrist or an ophhtalmologist during a form of eye examination called a fundus exam. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease.
10-26-2009 08:16:03
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details