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Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy

DefinitionDiabetic retinopathy is a microvascular complication of diabetes affecting the retinal blood vessels.Risk FactorsDiabetic retinopathy is present in almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes and more than 60% of those with type 2 diabetes after two decades of disease.The risk increases with poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, pregnancy, and puberty.Although cataracts and glaucoma are also more frequent in people with diabetes, retinopathy remains the leading...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice

An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice

Published on: January 12, 2024

Explaining Retinal Susceptibility to Diabetes Through Photoreceptor Biology.

William C Carter¹, Rithwick Rajagopal¹

¹John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Campus Box 8096, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

|May 13, 2026

Summary

Diabetic retinal disease (DRD) stems from photoreceptor damage, not just blood vessel issues. Understanding this photoreceptor-centric pathology is key to developing new treatments for diabetic eye disease.

Keywords:

diabetic retinopathy lipogenesis photoreceptors

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

An Assay to Detect Protection of the Retinal Vasculature from Diabetes-Related Death in Mice

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Published on: January 12, 2024

Alternate Immersion in Glucose to Produce Prolonged Hyperglycemia in Zebrafish

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Published on: May 5, 2021

Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model

Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model

Published on: May 6, 2022

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Endocrinology
Neuroscience

Background:

Diabetic retinal disease (DRD) is traditionally seen as a microvascular complication.
Emerging evidence suggests photoreceptors are central to DRD pathogenesis.
This explains why the retina is vulnerable to hyperglycemia, unlike the brain.

Purpose of the Study:

To review evidence for photoreceptor-driven DRD pathology.
To evaluate two primary mechanistic paradigms of DRD.
To highlight opportunities for novel, photoreceptor-targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

Literature review synthesizing evidence for photoreceptor-driven DRD.
Evaluation of two mechanistic paradigms: vascular-centric and neuron-centric.
Analysis of current and investigational DRD treatments.

Main Results:

Hyperglycemia can damage retinal blood vessels, causing ischemia that harms photoreceptors.
Hyperglycemia can directly alter photoreceptor metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and microvascular strain.
The photoreceptor is a critical node in DRD progression, regardless of the initial insult.

Conclusions:

Photoreceptors play a central role in diabetic retinal disease pathogenesis.
Dual mechanisms (vascular and neuronal) contribute to DRD, with photoreceptors as the key element.
Novel therapies targeting photoreceptors are needed to address DRD effectively.