It is the microangiopathy of retinal vasculature occurring in long standing diabetes mellitus classified as non proliferative and proliferative. It is the sixth leading cause of blindness in the world. Risk factors include increased duration of diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes, abnormal lipid profile, smoking, renal disease etc.

Non- pharmacological treatment:

l  Early diagnosis, proper diabetic control, regular follow up and fundus examination are important.

l  In certain cases laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy surgery can help.

Pharmacological treatment:

No tested or proven pharmacological treatment exists which can delay, prevent or curdiabetic retinopathy.

Patient education:

u  Explain the importance of yearly fundus examination. Laser treatment can prevent deterioration of vision but cannot correct existing visual defects.