Retinal Vascular Disease

This chapter deals with conditions that affect the retinal vessels and in particular provides a comprehensive overview of diabetic retinopathy, an extremely common and potentially sight-threatening condition in people of working age. The remaining text can be conveniently considered in three sections: vascular occlusion, retinal vascular effects secondary to systemic disease (including systemic hypertension, sickle-cell anaemia and thalassaemia) and diverse vascular conditions (for example: retinal artery macroaneurysm, retinal telangiectasia and Eales disease). Retinopathy of prematurity is also covered in this chapter. The pathogenesis, classification, retinal signs and treatment of these conditions is discussed. The clinical features are correlated with OCT and fluorescein angiographic appearances. New therapeutic approaches and photocoagulation are included.