n. pl. ret·i·nop·a·thies 1. Any of various disorders affecting the retina of the eye, marked by damage to retinal blood vessels, swelling of the retina, or abnormal growth of new blood vessels, and resulting in blurred vision, vision loss, or blindness.
2. Such a disorder occurring as a complication of untreated or improperly controlled diabetes mellitus. Also called diabetic retinopathy.