Viliam Mojto, Erika Vodrážková, Mária Komlósi, Anežka Chládeková
Diabetic retinopathy is microvascular complication in patients suffering from both 1. and 2. type diabetes. The prevalence
of diabetic retinopathy exceeds 35% in diabetic patients and can be divided into 2 stages, non-proliferative
and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The proliferative stage is characterised by the formation of new blood vessels
(angiogenesis), fibrovascular, and glial tissue in retina. Unsatisfactory compensation of diabetes, arterial hypertension,
dyslipidaemia, and diabetic nephropathy are the most important risk factors often leading to development of
diabetic retinopathy which can then progress to synechia formation and lead to secondary glaucoma, cataract, macular
oedema, and eventually to loss of vision. Complex ophthalmologic examination is mandatory in diagnostic
approach. Effective control of diabetes, normal blood pressure values and preserved kidney function are crucial in
therapy of diabetic retinopathy. In terms of specific macular oedema therapy, the anti-vascular endothelial growth
factor agents are currently the drugs of choice.