19. Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnostic Techniques & Signs Little effect on VA until extensive foveal coverage Affect VA if at fovea Rare before 45 years old Present at any age Random patterns Form streaks or circles Do not re-absorb Can re-absorb At posterior pole Near vascular lesions No vascular disease Vascular disease In Bruch’s membrane, poorly defined edges In OPL and sharp-edged Drusen Intra-retinal lipid exudates