Any change in the retina due to disease or damage is called a retinopathy. Some retinopathies are the result of underlying disease, such as diabetes or hypertension. Other retinopathies occur because of exposure to a toxin or an adverse reaction to something in the environment. Certain drugs, extreme bright sunlight, and even high altitude can cause retinopathy.

Retinopathy may result in blurred vision or vision loss, due to the abnormal growth of capillaries in the retina and any leaking or hemorrhaging that occurs. In many cases, treatment of the underlying disease improves vision.