Conditions We Treat
Eye Diseases - Diabetic Retinopathy
« Back
Diabetes causes abnormalities in blood vessels throughout the body. Because the eye has a rich blood supply, it is particularly prone to complications of diabetes.
What is the retina?
The retina is the nerve tissue that lines the back wall of the eye. Much like the film in a camera, the retina is sensitive to light. It transforms light energy to nerve stimuli, and "sends a picture" through the optic nerve to the brain. The macula is a specialized area in the central part of the retina. Because of the abundance of nerve connections that serve the macula, it is the part of the retina that provides for sharp, clear color vision. Our ability to read and see fine detail depends upon the health of the macula. Unfortunately, it is frequently affected by abnormalities of blood vessels in diabetes.
