Current nanotechnology approaches for the treatment and management
of diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a consequence of diabetes mellitus at the ocular level, leading to vision loss,
and contributing to the decrease of patient’s life quality. The biochemical and anatomic abnormalities
that occur in DR are discussed in this review to better understand and manage the development of
new therapeutic strategies. The use of new drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles (e.g. liposomes,
dendrimers, cationic nanoemulsions, lipid and polymeric nanoparticles) is discussed along with the current
traditional treatments, pointing out the advantages of the proposed nanomedicines to target this
ocular disease. Despite the multifactorial nature of DR, which is not entirely understood, some strategies
based on nanoparticles are being exploited for a more efficient drug delivery to the posterior segment of
the eye. On the other hand, the use of some nanoparticles also seems to contribute to the development of
DR symptoms (e.g. retinal neovascularization), which are also discussed in light of an efficient management
of this ocular chronic disease.