Skip to main content

Spotlight on diabetic retinopathy


Pathophysiology

A basic scientific understanding of diabetic retinopathy

An expert review of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.

Summary points
  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is classified into nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, with the latter identified by the growth of new retinal blood vessels.
  • Although DR has been extensively studied, a complete understanding of the pathophysiology remains to be described.
  • Multiple pathways such as ‘metabolic memory’ and epigenetic modification are involved in the pathogenesis of this complex disease process.
  • Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents can reduce diabetic macular edema and the progression of DR.
  • Although unifying themes are beginning to emerge such as the role of epigenetics and oxidative stress, it is likely that successful treatment of DR will involve targeting multiple pathways.

Sear N, Yuan A. In: Managing Diabetic Eye Disease in Clinical Practice. Edited by Singh RP. Springer International Publishing, 2015. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-08329-2_2

Contents