Abstract
Objective: To review the literature on epidemiology, the risk factors, the pathophysiology, the classification, the diagnosis and the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Literature review: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic endocrine condition that leads to several complications, including diabetic retinopathy. That complication is related to vascular changes and it is present in most diabetics and can lead to blindness. For its development depends, among other factors, on the time of evolution and glycemic levels. It can be classified as proliferative and non-proliferative and its diagnosis is associated with findings on fundus of the eye exams. Treatment involves glycemic control and measures to decrease angiogenesis. Final considerations: With the progressive increase in the number of diabetics and, consequently, in the number of diabetic retinopathy patients, its study and its approach are indispensable. The best context understanding, diagnosis in a timely manner and correct therapeutic management contribute to the retinopathy do not progress with permanent visual loss.