The eyes in diabetes and diabetes through the eyes

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common of the microvascular complications of diabetes. Left unchecked and untreated, it could progresses from a non-proliferative phase to a proliferative, sight-threatening phase. Macular edema which also threatens sight can appear at any stage. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying its appearance and progression include the accumulation of plyols, advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) reactive oxygen species, release of local growth factors and activation of protein kinase C, all of which lead to structural and functional changes in the retina which can progress to threaten sight. Tight glucose and blood pressure control can prevent the appearance and progression of retinopathy. Novel PKC inhibitors, inhibitors of growth factors, blockers of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as well as statins can slow the progression of DR and protect sight. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.