[Medical treatment in diabetic retinopathy]

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of blindness worldwide with an expected increasing incidence. Tight blood sugar and blood pressure control have proven essential in preventing both appearance and evolution of retinopathy. Surgical treatments as laser therapy and vitrectomy have also been proved highly effective in preventing major visual loss in advanced stages of retinopathy. Continuous scientific research is leading to a better understanding of pathogenesis of the disease and thus an effective medical treatment is expected in both preventing and treating different stages of diabetic retinopathy. In this update we review ongoing clinical trials and also the knowledge from finalized clinical trials that were testing the clinical impact of experimental treatments or known therapies.