What Is Retinopathy?

Retinopathy

Say: reh-tin-AH-puh-thee

Having diabetes for many years — especially if it's uncontrolled — can damage an important part of the eye called the retina. The retina is important for vision. It's the lining of the back of the eye that senses light. Retinopathy is the medical word for disease of the retina. When it's caused by diabetes it's called diabetic retinopathy.