Ophthalmology and Vision Science

Diabetic Retinopathy: Prevention and Advanced Management

Diabetic retinopathy is a major microvascular complication of diabetes, leading to vision impairment and blindness if not managed proactively. Screening through retinal photography, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography enables early detection of microaneurysms, hemorrhages, and macular edema. Treatment strategies include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, corticosteroid injections, laser photocoagulation, and surgical interventions for advanced cases. Challenges include patient adherence to regular screening, glycemic control, and management of comorbidities. Artificial intelligence algorithms are increasingly applied to automate retinal image analysis, predict disease progression, and optimize individualized treatment plans. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems improve localized therapy while minimizing systemic side effects. Regulatory oversight ensures that novel pharmacological agents, biologics, and surgical devices comply with global safety standards. Emerging trends focus on integrating digital health, teleophthalmology, and personalized medicine approaches to enhance screening coverage and therapeutic outcomes. By combining preventive strategies, advanced therapeutics, and robust regulatory frameworks, diabetic retinopathy management continues to reduce vision loss, improve patient quality of life, and advance global eye care initiatives.