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@article{193988,
        author = {ARSHID RAFIQ and Gulshan Zehra and Rutba Maqbool and PARVAIZ SOFI and MUZAMIL RAFIQ and FAKIHAT FAYAZ and MEHVISH MANZOOR and SUMMARAH MUSHTAQ},
        title = {diabetic retinopathy,a comprehensive narrative review of pathpysiology classification risk factors and emerging therapitic strategies},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {2475-2484},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193988},
        abstract = {Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious micro vascular complications of diabetes mellitus and remains a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. With the rising global prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the burden of DR is increasing, particularly in low and middle income countries. Despite advancements in screening and therapeutic modalities, late diagnosis and suboptimal systemic control continue to contribute to vision loss.
Objective: This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of diabetic retinopathy, including its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical classification, risk factors, screening approaches, management strategies, and emerging therapeutic innovations.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using recent peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines focusing on diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment modalities. Key developments in artificial intelligence-based screening and novel pharmacological interventions were also explored.
Results: Diabetic retinopathy progresses from non proliferative to proliferative stages, characterized by microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, retinal ischemia, and neovascularization. Diabetic macular edema (DME) can occur at any stage and is a primary cause of visual impairment. Risk factors such as duration of diabetes, poor glycemic control, hypertension, dyslipidemia, nephropathy, and pregnancy significantly influence disease progression. Management strategies include intensive metabolic control, laser photocoagulation, anti vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy, and vitrectomy. Emerging approaches such as nanotechnology based drug delivery, gene therapy, and AI assisted screening demonstrate promising future potential.
Conclusion: Early detection, optimized systemic management, and timely ocular interventions are critical to preventing vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. Integration of artificial intelligence tools and innovative therapeutic strategies may transform the future landscape of DR management.},
        keywords = {Diabetic Retinopathy; Non Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy; Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy; Diabetic Macular Edema; Anti VEGF Therapy; Laser Photocoagulation; Artificial Intelligence; Screening; Narrative Review.},
        month = {March},
        }