Retinopathy (damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) is most commonly associated with diabetes, but a new study shows that 1 in 8 people without diabetes show signs of retinopathy.
The study, published in Ophthalmology describes how retinopathy is linked to hypertension, smoking, and carotid artery disease – all common risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease.
One study author states that “controlling blood pressure and vascular risk factors may reverse retinopathy.” Researchers hope that their findings will help health practitioners and patients become more aware of the risk of retinopathy in those who do not show signs of diabetes.
Source: Medscape