Intermediate
Technical
IVT
diabetic retinopathy
Also written as: DR — diabetic retinopathy
Retinal vascular disease caused by diabetes mellitus, potentially leading to vision loss.
Full Definition
Diabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus affecting the retinal blood vessels. The condition progresses from mild nonproliferative changes (microaneurysms, dot-blot hemorrhages) to moderate and severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and potentially to proliferative diabetic retinopathy with neovascularization. Macular edema can occur at any stage. This is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults and requires regular screening and timely intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Classify severity level and note presence of macular edema in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with clinically significant macular edema was identified." — Diabetic eye screening report
- "The patient developed proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring panretinal photocoagulation." — Treatment planning note
Also known as
DR
Don't confuse with
hypertensive retinopathy
retinal vein occlusion