diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in high-income countries, resulting from chronic microvascular damage to the retinal vasculature. Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and laser photocoagulation are established for sight-threatening disease, while early detection through diabetic eye screening programmes is essential. Research is exploring neuroprotective agents, sustained-release anti-VEGF delivery, and earlier systemic intervention.