IRMA – Intraretinal microvascular abnormalities: Dilated abnormal capillaries, which are often leaky and lie in the plane of the retina. They usually occur in areas of widespread capillary occlusion, often associated with occlusion of larger vessels and cotton-wool spots.

2.12.1.2 Vitrectomy

The vitreous is a normally clear, gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye. Advanced diabetic retinopathy may require a vitrectomy, surgical removal of the vitreous. After a vitrectomy, the vitreous is replaced as the eye secretes aqueous and nutritive fluids.

A vitrectomy may be performed to clear blood and debris from the eye, to remove scar tissue, or to alleviate traction on the retina. Blood, inflammatory cells, debris, and scar tissue obscure light as it passes through the eye to the retina, resulting in blurred vision. The vitreous is also removed if it is pulling or tugging the retina from its normal position.

ETDRS [16] – Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study

A large NIH-sponsored study which measured the effectiveness of early diabetic retinopathy treatment with laser and created a widely accepted scale for staging diabetic retinopathy.

References

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