Diabetic Retinopathy Flashcards
1
Q
What is the most common cause of blindness in adults age 35-65?
A
Diabetic retinopathy
2
Q
What is the mechanism of disease in diabetic retinopathy?
A
- Hyperglycaemia causes increased retinal blood flow and abnormal metabolism in the retinal vessel walls which precipitates damages to endothelial cells and pericytes
- Endothelial dysfunction =inctreased vasculare permeability causing exudate
3
Q
What are the clinical features of “Background” stage of diabetic retinopathy?
A
- Microaneurysms
- Dot + blot haemorrhages
- hard exudates
4
Q
What are the clinical features of “Maculopathy” stage of diabetic retinopathy?
A
(Based on location over macule, rather than severity)
- Haemorrhages + hard exudate around macula
- decreasing visual acuity
5
Q
What are the clinical features of “Pre-proliferative” stage of diabetic retinopathy?
A
- Exacerbation of background:
- Dots and bloods + deep dark haemorrhages
- multiple cotton wool spots
6
Q
What are the clinical features of “Proliferative” stage of diabetic retinopathy?
A
*New vessel formation
