Retinopathy occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak fluid into the retina.
Normally, the blood vessels in your eye do not leak. However, they can develop tiny holes which, over time, seep fluid into the retina. This fluid deposits a fatty material, and if it occurs in the central part of the retina, can reduce or blur vision. Leakage elsewhere within your eye may or may not have adverse effects.
Risk factors and contributors to Retinopathy include premature birth, ciliopathy, direct sunlight exposure, some medications, genetic factors, anemia, and diet. Blood sugar levels in particular are a major contributing factor, putting people with Diabetes at high risk.
Retinopathy can be treated through a procedure called photocoagulation which uses a laser to seal off leaking blood vessels. Since there are no nerve endings within the retina, the process is painless.
