Diagnosis of Diabetic retinopathy

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Diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed by looking at the retinas using an illuminating instrument called an ophthalmoscope that is designed for inspecting the inside of the eye. The appearance of the condition is quite characteristic - there are yellow patches of fatty deposition, tiny dark dots called microaneurysms and the growth of fronds of new blood vessels.

If severe bleeding has occurred, the retina may not be visible, but the blood can be seen and the diagnosis can be made from the knowledge that the patient is diabetic.