Diabetic Retinopathy: Causes, Investigations, and Treatment

Background: Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema are caused by chronic damage to the neurovascular structure of the retina. The pathophysiology of retinal damage remains uncertain but includes abnormalities in metabolism and neuroinflammation. These mechanisms are considered for deep metabolic regulation of systemic diseases and the use of ocular anti-inflammatory agents such as vascular endothelium inhibitors and corticosteroids. A better understanding of the underlying eye and systemic processes of diabetic retinopathy will improve the way we diagnose and treat retinopathy and maintain better vision.

Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy progresses with the duration of the disease and often leads to an increase in retinopathy in early adolescent patients and macular edema in elderly patients.