A Review of Pathogenesis and Risk Factors of Diabetic Retinopathy With Emphasis on Screening Techniques

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important topic for public health in India and globally. The rise in the number of cases of diabetes in India is alarming as it will eventually increase the number of cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR). DM is related to many microangiopathic abnormalities, among which DR has recently emerged as a common cause of vision impairment in middle and low-income countries. If diagnosed on time, we can prevent vision impairment and complete blindness in patients with the help of proper treatment. Life-long retinal check-ups among people who have diabetes are an essential strategy for the early diagnosis of DR. In this article, we have focused mainly on the significance of DR in loss of vision, the risk factors associated with the disease, the proper pathogenesis of the disease, including the involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the further consequences of the disease, screening techniques that are already available and those that need to be incorporated, and finally the treatment options available for the patients. The knowledge about this disease and various components related to it, be it either risk factors, pathogenesis, or screening techniques and treatment, would surely help clinicians better understand the condition to formulate strategies for its early diagnosis and cost-effective and sustainable treatment, which would ultimately result in providing better care to the patients.