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Abstract Vision is our most powerful sense. It provides a remarkable amount ofinfonnation about our surrounding that enables to interact intelligentlywith the environment, all without direct physical contact. Diabetes is achronic disease in which abnormalities of glucose metabolism lead to raised blood glucose levels. Over a period of years diabetes leads to chronic complications, including diabetic eye disease or diabetic retinopathy. irregularity and leakness of blood vessels characterize the earliest fonns of diabetic retinopathy that may be called background retinopath y. Background retinopathy does not only affect vision, but also may progress to more serious forms of retinopathy, which can lead to blindness from a large vitreous hemorrhage. The four abnormalities selected to indicate the early changes in retinal images are based on the classification of an intemational association, which is Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study group (ETDRS). These abnonnalities are microaneurysms, hamorrhages, exudates and cotton wool spots. If detected early, laser treatment can be given, which prevents progression of retinopathy and thus prevents blindness for most common cause. |