Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
09:11

Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model

Published on: May 6, 2022

5.1K

Diabetic retinopathy in focus: Update on treatment advances, pharmaceutical approaches, and new technologies

Adela Laura Ciorba1, Sameh Saber2, Amir Mohamed Abdelhamid3

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania.

European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences : Official Journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences
|October 3, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) involves complex pathways leading to vision loss. Current management focuses on control and existing treatments, while emerging therapies like gene therapy and stem cells offer future hope for retinal repair.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment, stemming from complex molecular and cellular disruptions in the retina.
  • Key pathogenic mechanisms include metabolic dysregulation (polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products), oxidative stress, and inflammation, impacting the retinal neurovascular unit.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an updated overview of diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis, classification, current management strategies, and novel therapeutic approaches.
  • To highlight advancements in diagnostic imaging and explore future directions in DR treatment and prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of pathogenesis, clinical management, and emerging therapies for diabetic retinopathy.
  • Analysis of novel imaging technologies (OCTA, ERG) and genetic factors influencing DR.
  • Evaluation of innovative treatments including nanotechnology, gene therapy, and stem cell strategies.

Main Results:

  • DR pathogenesis involves intricate pathways and neurovascular unit disruption, progressing from non-proliferative (NPDR) to proliferative stages (PDR).
  • Current management combines glycemic/blood pressure control with laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, and anti-VEGF injections.
  • Emerging therapies show promise, including nanotechnology, microRNA and gene therapies, stem cell strategies, and AI-powered screening.

Conclusions:

  • Effective DR management requires a multifaceted approach, integrating risk factor modification, current treatments, and innovative therapeutic strategies.
  • Advanced diagnostics and personalized medicine, including gene editing, are crucial for reducing the global burden of diabetic retinopathy.
Keywords:
Diabetic retinopathyGene EditingGene therapyNanotechnology-based drug deliveryPharmaceutical technologyStem cell therapy

More Related Videos

Studying Diabetes Through the Eyes of a Fish: Microdissection, Visualization, and Analysis of the Adult tgfli:EGFP Zebrafish Retinal Vasculature10:07

Studying Diabetes Through the Eyes of a Fish: Microdissection, Visualization, and Analysis of the Adult tgfli:EGFP Zebrafish Retinal Vasculature

Published on: December 26, 2017

13.9K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Imaging for Improved Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment07:02

Author Spotlight: Advancements in In Vivo and Ex Vivo Retinal Imaging for Improved Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment

Published on: June 30, 2023

2.1K

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
867
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
961
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.2K
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.2K