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Current Advances in Pharmacotherapy and Technology for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review

Lei Lu1, Ying Jiang1, Ravindran Jaganathan2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Yan'an People's Hospital, Qilipu St., Baota Qu, Yan'an, Shaanxi 716000, China.

Journal of Ophthalmology
|March 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) treatments are evolving, with current pharmacotherapies offering short-term relief but potential side effects. Emerging stem cell technology shows promise for restoring retinal function and preventing vision loss.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Diabetology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by vascular lesions and neuronal damage in the retina, often exhibiting chronic inflammation.
  • Current pharmacotherapies and laser photocoagulation are standard treatments for DR and diabetic macular edema (DME).
  • Existing treatments have limitations, including short-term effectiveness and potential adverse effects like cataracts and increased intraocular pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current and potential pharmacotherapy and therapeutic technologies for diabetic retinopathy.
  • To explore novel therapeutic approaches by understanding cell-specific inflammatory changes in the retina.
  • To assess the role of systemic agents, plant-based drugs, and stem cell technology in DR management.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of online databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, clinitrials.gov).
  • Review of individual ophthalmology journals and leading pharmaceutical company websites.
  • Synthesis of information on current and emerging treatments for diabetic retinopathy.

Main Results:

  • Pharmacotherapy, including anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenesis agents, is widely used but has short-term efficacy and side effects.
  • Systemic agents (hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antihypertensive) and plant-based drugs show promise in managing DR progression.
  • Advancements in pluripotent stem cell technology offer potential for restoring retinal function in degenerative conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Novel therapeutic strategies for DR are needed to overcome the limitations of current treatments.
  • Understanding retinal inflammation at a cellular level may unlock new treatment avenues.
  • Stem cell transplantation represents a promising future direction for treating retinal degeneration in DR.

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