Definition: Retinopathy occurs when the small blood vessels in
the retina, which lines the back of the eye, are damaged. The
retina's purpose is to catch the images the eye sees and then
transmit them to the brain. Diabetes causes changes in the blood
vessels in the retina through a variety of mechanisms. This can
lead to damage of the cells that respond to light and result in
decreased vision and even blindness. Retinopathy is the most
common eye complication associated with diabetes. High blood
pressure, also common in those who have diabetes, also puts you
at higher risk for retinopathy. If untreated, retinopathy can
lead to blindness. The visual damage of retinopathy can be
envisioned by placing small pieces of paper on a camera lens and
then attempting to look at objects through that lens.