Diabetic Retinopathy: Advancement in Understanding the Pathophysiology and Management Strategies

Diabetes is a leading global health problem. Long-term diabetes-associated complications include nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a disease that damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina and is a leading cause of blindness among diabetic adults worldwide. Despite extensive laboratory and clinical investigations, the fundamental root cause of vision loss due to diabetes remains uncertain. Additionally, the available treatment strategies, including laser photocoagulation, vitrectomy, surgical removal of the epiretinal membranes, and pharmaceutical approaches, are either destructive or have limited efficacy. Even current treatment interventions for advanced DR are limited. Thus, there is an urgent need for more research to understand what causes the initiation and progression of the disease and to explore new approaches for detection, management, and cost-effective treatment of DR at its earliest stage, rather than waiting for the onset of non-manageable forms of vision-threatening lesions. This book, Diabetic Retinopathy - Advancement in Understanding the Pathophysiology and Management Strategies re-examines the basics of DR, explores the role of existing or potentially new dysregulated metabolic pathways or factors, and discusses ways to improve current treatment strategies. By presenting an inclusive view of DR’s pathogenesis and the future of therapeutic strategies, this book is designed to enhance the clinical care and quality of life for patients with diabetic retinopathy.