How to overcome diabetic retinopathy: Focusing on blood-retinal barrier

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes, resulting in visual deterioration in working populations. Even in the early stage of DR, increased permeability can occur and is known to be associated with the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). In this regard, studies on the pathogenesis of DR have been focused on the alteration of the BRB, however, detailed and unifying mechanisms and pathogenesis-based treatment of DR are yet to be elucidated. In this review, we discussed the pathogenesis of DR associated with the disruption of the BRB and reviewed novel therapeutic options. We expect that this review will help to form a consensus for pathogenesis-based treatments of DR in consideration with the disruption of the BRB. © 2012 Bentham Science Publishers.