RETINOPATIA DIABÉTICA - DA FISIOPATOLOGIA AO TRATAMENTO: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common and progressive ocular complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), being one of the leading causes of acquired blindness in adults. The pathophysiology of DR is complex, involving inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and neurodegenerative changes in the retina. The treatment of DR has evolved from approaches such as laser photocoagulation to more targeted and less invasive therapies, such as anti-angiogenic agents. Methodology: This article is based on an integrative review of the scientific literature available in the PubMed and Scielo databases. The search included terms related to "diabetic retinopathy," "pathophysiology," "diagnosis," and "treatment." Review articles, experimental studies, and clinical trials published between 2010 and 2024 were selected. Results and Discussion: DR is characterized by vascular changes that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Inflammation plays a central role in endothelial dysfunction and disease progression. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial, with advances in biomarkers and imaging technology, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), improving diagnostic precision. In treatment, anti-VEGF agents like ranibizumab have shown significant efficacy. New treatments, such as faricimab, which inhibits both VEGF and angiopoietin, offer better vascular stability. Conclusion: DR is a significant cause of acquired blindness, associated with the complexity of diabetes mellitus. New therapies, such as anti-VEGF agents and faricimab, promise to improve treatment efficacy and patient quality of life. Continuous research is essential for developing more effective approaches to reduce the global impact of DR.