A Mediterranean Diet May Be Protective in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy.

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest available dietary patterns. This perception results from its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and, also, on hypertension, diabetes, and cancer compared with other diets. Its impact on the course of diabetes is assessed in the available scientific literature; however, little information is available about its impact on diabetic retinopathy. The MD is characterized mainly by the consumption of fish, seafood, foods of plant origin, and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also recommended to consume legumes, which are a source of folic acid, magnesium, iron, and dietary fiber. High consumption of nuts and unrefined grains is also recommended in the MD. Marine fish provide polyunsaturated acids from the omega-3 group. Olive oil plays a very important role, especially olive oil obtained from mechanical pressing. Additionally, olive oil contains vitamins E, K, and polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are present in a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and seeds, have the ability to decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Resveratrol is naturally found in grape skins and seeds, as well as in peanuts and berries, and is a constituent of red wine. Resveratrol can inhibit increased vascular leakage and loss of pericytes and regulate the level of VEGF protein in the retina, thus inhibiting the development of DR. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil may be correlated with a lower risk of diabetic retinopathy. This paper presents the definition of the Mediterranean diet and its influence on the course of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.

Current Approach to the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Cataracts.

Cataracts remain the first or second leading cause of blindness in all world regions. In the diabetic population, cataracts not only have a 3-5 times higher incidence than in the healthy population but also affect people at a younger age. In patients with type 1 diabetes, cataracts occur on average 20 years earlier than in the non-diabetic population. In addition, the risk of developing cataracts increases with the duration of diabetes and poor metabolic control. A better understanding of the mechanisms leading to the formation of diabetic cataracts enables more effective treatment and a holistic approach to the patient.

Adipokines and Obesity. Potential Link to Metabolic Disorders and Chronic Complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized obesity as one of the top ten threats to human health. It is estimated that the number of obese and overweight people worldwide exceeds the number of those who are undernourished. Obesity is not only a state of abnormally increased adipose tissue in the body, but also of increased release of biologically active adipokines. Adipokines released into the circulating blood, due to their specific receptors on the surface of target cells, act as classic hormones affecting the metabolism of tissues and organs. What is more, adipokines and cytokines may decrease the insulin sensitivity of tissues and induce inflammation and development of chronic complications. Certainly, it can be stated that in an era of a global obesity pandemic, adipokines may gain more and more importance as regards their use in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of diseases. An extensive search for materials on the role of white, brown and perivascular fatty tissue and obesity-related metabolic and chronic complications was conducted online using PubMed, the Cochrane database and Embase.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Power of Serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α for the Idiopathic Anterior Uveitis in Children.

BACKGROUND: Uveitis is the inflammation of the uvea that often occurs in children. There are many causes of disease, but some of them do not have any reasons and are then called idiopathic uveitis. Cytokines play an important role in the regulation of the immune response. Determination of cytokine profiles could contribute to the explanation of the etiology of uveitis and could serve to evaluate the inflammation intensity as well as be helpful in the early diagnosis this disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum level of selected inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and to compare their diagnostic power as a markers of idiopathic anterior uveitis in children. METHODS: The study was carried out on 28 children diagnosed with idiopathic anterior uveitis. The reference group comprised 30 healthy children. Serum IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α concentrations were measured with specific enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methods. RESULTS: The mean values of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in the children with idiopathic anterior uveitis were significantly higher than those found in the reference group. The highest sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio of a positive test result were achieved for IL-8. There was a significant difference between the area under the curve for IL-6 and IL-8. CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum concentrations of interleukin IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α may suggest that these cytokines induce inflammatory changes in the ocular surface. Analysis of cytokine levels showed that IL-8 has the highest diagnostic power and is the best marker for diagnosis of idiopathic anterior uveitis in children.

The Role of Vitamin D3 in Ocular Diseases.

Vitamin D3 plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes within the human body, including having a positive effect on eye health. It is renowned for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and angiogenic properties. Its deficiency is evolving into a significant global challenge. In order to explain the connection between vitamin D3 and various ocular diseases, 84 relevant studies, mainly from the PubMed database, published in English between 1999 and 2024 were analyzed. Ocular tissues can activate and regulate vitamin D levels, which emphasizes the significance of this nutrient in maintaining eye homeostasis. While there is suggestive evidence for a probable association between vitamin D3 and ocular health, more robust research is needed to establish causation and inform clinical guidelines.

Retinal Vein Occlusion-Background Knowledge and Foreground Knowledge Prospects-A Review.

Thrombosis of retinal veins is one of the most common retinal vascular diseases that may lead to vascular blindness. The latest epidemiological data leave no illusions that the burden on the healthcare system, as impacted by patients with this diagnosis, will increase worldwide. This obliges scientists to search for new therapeutic and diagnostic options. In the 21st century, there has been tremendous progress in retinal imaging techniques, which has facilitated a better understanding of the mechanisms related to the development of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its complications, and consequently has enabled the introduction of new treatment methods. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to assist in selecting the best treatment option for patients in the near future. The aim of this comprehensive review is to re-evaluate the old but still relevant data on the RVO and confront them with new studies. The paper will provide a detailed overview of diagnosis, current treatment, prevention, and future therapeutic possibilities regarding RVO, as well as clarifying the mechanism of macular edema in this disease entity.

Interdependence of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Myopia.

Background: Myopia (also known as nearsightedness), a prevalent refractive error, occurs when parallel rays of light converge in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. Recently, there has been a marked rise in myopia among the global population. The absence of effective methods of controlling the progression of this visual defect prompts the search for new preventive and therapeutic options. The impact of diet and lifestyle on the progression of myopia is still not fully understood. Therefore, our aim was to examine how these factors might affect the advancement of myopia, based on the existing literature. Methods: This manuscript was prepared through an extensive literature review conducted from June 2022 to September 2024. We searched for pertinent research articles using reputable databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We included all types of publications, with a special focus on the newest ones. Results: Despite far-reaching examination, the relationship between these factors and myopia control remains inconclusive with varying degrees of evidence supporting their roles. Conclusions: However, promoting a healthy lifestyle, particularly increasing physical activity and outdoor time, is essential. Additionally, emerging research suggests that maintaining a balanced diet is important due to the potential impact of certain nutrients on myopia development. Ophthalmologists should also guide parents on the alternative correction methods beyond single vision glasses, especially for rapidly progressing cases. With the rising prevalence of myopia in children, further research is necessary.

[Evaluation of the arterial blood flow parameters in the eye of myopic patients]. / Ocena parametrów predkosci krwi w naczyniach tetniczych galki ocznej u chorych krótkowzrocznych.

UNLABELLED: Myopia is a common refractive defect. Has a good vision from near and deterioration of vision with increasing distance. The main reason for its occurrence is too long axis of the eyeball. The consequence of elongation of the eyeball is the development of degenerative changes in the retina. Despite much research has failed to clearly identify the causes of degenerative changes in those short-sighted. The aim of the study was to evaluate the maximum and minimum speed in arterial blood vessels of the eye in people with myopia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 70 patients (138 eyes), 53 women and 17 men, aged from 18 to 79 years, with myopia of -0.25 to -18.0 Dsph and length of the eyeball from 22.61 to 33.36 mm. Depending on the kind and the degree of the progress of degenerative changes, patients were divided in 4 groups: I - without degenerative changes on the fundus (n=32; K-23, M-9); II- with the short-sighted sickle (n=20; K-14, M-6); Ill - with the structure thinned down of the retina, accompanying the short-sighted sickle (n = 8; K-6, M-2); IV - with extensive choroidal-retina disappearances in the fundus (n = 10; K-7, M-3). In all individuals enrolled underwent Color Doppler ultrasound with apparatus SSA 770A Toshiba Aplio with linear probe frequency 12 MHz, judging maximum (Vmax) and minimum (Vmin) speed in the arteries of the eye: ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA) located on the nasal and temporal side of the optic disc. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant relationship between the nature of degenerative changes of the eye, and blood velocity in the OA. There was a increase in Vmax and Vmin blood in OA in Group IV, but these changes were not statistically significant. Statistically significant correlation was observed while in the CRA. With a decrease in Vmax and Vmin of blood flowing through a vessel exacerbation of retinal degeneration. Vmax and Vmin changes in the blood did not correlate significantly SPCA with retinal degeneration, although the results were much worse in the temporal vessels. CONCLUSIONS: With the deterioration of blood flow parameters of the central retinal artery and short posterior ciliary arteries comes to the severity of the retinal degeneration in myopic patients. More severe impairment of blood circulation in the temporal ciliary explain higher incidence of degenerative changes in the temporal side of the optic disc.

[Evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of diabetic maculopathy]. / Ocena skutecznosci laseroterapi w leczeniu makulopatii cukrzycowej.

UNLABELLED: Diabetes mellitus concerns a growing number of people in the world. Its complications are an important social problem. Diabetic macular edema (DME) is one of the leading causes of visual loss in the course of the disease. Deterioration of vision is typically the patients with long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes, both type 1 and 2. DME can occur at any stage of the disease. Because structural changes in the macula are reversible in the initial period, it is important to start treatment early. In the treatment of diabetic uses three techniques retinal laser--direct photocoagulation, photocoagulation a "grid" and the panphotocoagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of diabetic macular edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 90 patients (180 eyes) with DME, 50 women and 40 men aged from 18 to 80 years with a visual acuity of 0.08 to 0.7 with the best corrected on the Snellen chart. 9 people were with type 1 diabetes, 81 with type 2. 86 patients applied insulin, 4 people took drugs. Eye with poor visual acuity was qualified for the treatment. In all patients enrolled in the study visual acuity, anterior segment of the eye in the slit lamp and fundus by indirect ophthalmoscopy with Volk 78D lens were evaluated. DME was diagnosed on the basis of the results of fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. In the patients laser therapy was performed twice: on day 1 after qualification and four months later. Performed two types of laser: the focal photocoagulation and the type of "grid" depending on the severity of DME. Retinal photocoagulation was performed using a diode laser 810 nm Diode Laser Systems OcuLight SL and SLx Iris Medical Models. Patients were monitored at 4 and 8 months after the laser therapy. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Duration of diabetes less than 10 years was in 67 patients, over 10 years in 23. In patients with diabetes under 10 years predominated limited type of macular edema (92.65%), in patients over 10--diffuse (72.73%). As a result of the treatment in 34 patients (37.8%) visual acuity was improved. 91.18% of them had limited macular edema. In 47 patients (52.2%) showed the stabilization of vision. These patients had also more limited type of edema (74.47%). In 9 patients (10%) visual impairment were observed and they were mostly patients with diffuse macular edema (66.67%). Average visual acuity in patients with limited macular edema before laser therapy was 0.37 +/- 0.18. In the four months after the laser treatment improved slightly (0.38 +/- .18). After 8 months of treatment the average visual acuity in this group remained at a level of 0.44 +/- 0.16. In patients with diffuse macular edema output type visual acuity was significantly lower and averaged only 0.16 +/- 0.1. In 4 months after the laser was found in this group decreased vision (Vo = 0.13 +/- 0.08). In 8 months after surgery visual acuity averaged 0.15 +/- 0.09. Average visual acuity before laser therapy in this group was 0.36 +/- 0.17, and 8 months after was at the level of 0.43 +/- 0.16. In patients with diabetes more than 10 years laser therapy has not brought the desired effect, and visual acuity were as follows: before treatment--0.18 +/- 0.16 and 8 months after--0.17 +/- 0.14 (p < 0.0001). Average macular thickness before laser therapy in patients with limited edema was 348.14 +/- 33.47 microns. In 4 months after the laser has been observed decreased to 340.29 +/- 31.2 microns, and after 8 months of further withdrawal of edema to an average of 337.88 +/- 32.95 microns. In patients with diffuse type average macular thickness was 394.38 +/- 38.18. After 4 months of laser treatment exacerbation of edema (mean 399 +/- 38.08). After 8 months, the thickness of macula in this group was average 388.95 +/- 32.85. CONCLUSIONS: Laser therapy is an effective type of treatment for DME. Better results after laser therapy are obtained in patients with a short-term macular edema and good visual acuity. In order to maintain useful visual acuity, patients with DME should undergo laser treatment in the early stages of the disease.

[Refractive errors in patients with cerebral palsy]. / Ocena wystepowania wad wzroku u pacjentów z mózgowym porazeniem dzieciecym.

UNLABELLED: Ocular changes are common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and they exist in about 50% of cases. The most common are refractive errors and strabismus disease. The aim of the paper was to estimate the relativeness between refractive errors and neurological pathologies in patients with selected types of CP. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The subject of the analysis was showing refractive errors in patients within two groups of CP: diplegia spastica and tetraparesis, with nervous system pathologies taken into account. Results. This study was proven some correlations between refractive errors and type of CP and severity of the CP classified in GMFCS scale. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive errors were more common in patients with tetraparesis than with diplegia spastica. In the group with diplegia spastica more common were myopia and astigmatism, however in tetraparesis - hyperopia.

[Blood flow in vessels supplying the eye in persons with degenerative myopia. Part II. Blood flow in the central retinal artery]. / Przeplyw krwi w naczyniach zaopatrujacych galke oczna u osób z krótkowzrocznoscia degeneracyjna. Czesc II. Przeplyw krwi w tetnicy srodkowej siatkówki.

PURPOSE: To analyse the blood flow parameters in the central retinal artery (CRA) of myopic patients depending on the severity of the degenerative changes in ocular fundi. METHODS: 70 myopic subjects, aged 18 to 79 years, with the axial ocular length ranging between 22.61 and 33.36 mm (27.9 +/- 5.37) were examined. According to the extent and severity of degenerative lesion progression, patients were divided into 4 groups: I--no degenerative changes on the fundus (n = 32; K--23, M--9), II--myopic crescent (n = 20; K--14, M--6), III-- retinal thinning accompanying the myopic crescent (n = 8; K--6, M--2), IV--extensive chorioretinal atrophy in the fundus (n = 10; K--7, M--3). Blood flow parameters in the central retinal artery were determined using Doppler Color ultrasonography (Aplio SSA, Toshiba), with the 12 MHz probe. The following, standard parameters were analysed: maximum (Vmax), minimum (Vmin) and mean (Vm) velocity at systole, resistive index (RI) and pulsation index (PI). The differences were analysed statistically using the variance analysis and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, with the p < 0.05 assumed as statistically significant. RESULTS: The severity of degenerative retinal changes correlated with the blood flow in CRA. At lowered Vmax, Vmin, Vm acompanying the elevated RI and Pi the lesions progressed rapidly and were considerably more advanced and extensive. CONCLUSIONS: The extent and severity of degenerative processes within the myopic retina are directly proportional to blood flow deterioration in the central retinal artery. This association can explain the development and progression of myopic retinopathy.

[Blood flow in vessels supplying the eye in persons with degenerative myopia. Part I. Blood flow in the ophthalmic artery]. / Przeplyw krwi w naczyniach zaopatrujacych galke oczna u osób z krótkowzrocznoscia degeneracyjna. Cz. I. Przeplyw krwi w tetnicy ocznej.

BACKGROUND: Mechanism of hemodynamic disturbances of blood circulation within the afferent vessels supplying the retina and the choroid, considered as one of main underlying causes of degenerative changes in myopic patients, is exceptionally likely, although not entirely proven. PURPOSE: To estimate the blood flow parameters in the ophthalmic artery of myopic subjects, depending on the extent and severity of progression of degenerative lesions observed in ocularfundi. METHODS: A prospective study included 70 myopic persons, aged from 18 to 79 years (44.9 +/- 18.3) with the mean axial ocular length of 27.9 +/- 5.37 mm. According to the extent and severity of degenerative lesion progression, patients were divided into 4 groups: I - no degenerative changes on the fundus (n = 32; K--23, M--9), II--myopic crescent (n = 20; K--14, M--6), III--retinal thinning accompanying the myopic crescent (n = 8; K - 6, M - 2), IV--extensive chorioretinal atrophy in the fundus (n = 10; K--7, M--3). Using colour Doppler ultrasonography (Aplio SSA Toshiba, frequency of the head of 12 MHz) the following parameters of the blood flow in the opthalmic artery were determined: the maximum (Vmax), minimal (Vmin) and mean (Vm) velocity, resistive index (RI) as well as pulsation index (PI). Differences were analysed statistically (the variance analysis and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). P < 0.05 was assumed as statistically significant. RESULTS: In groups I and II blood flow parameters were comparable. In group III Vmax, Vmin and Vm were lower than in groups I and II. However, an increase in these parameters was shown in group IV. The PI remained on the comparable level, and the RI across all the study groups. The observed differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of degenerative retinal change progression at different stages of myopia is related to the blood flow in the ophthalmic artery, although these associations are not statistically significant. Blood flow discrepancies between the right and left artery, resulting from anatomical asymmetries, does not seem to be significant for the development of degenerative changes.

[Dry eye disease in patients treated with antidepressants]. / Zespól suchego oka u pacjentów leczonych lekami antydepresyjnymi.

PURPOSE: Dry eye disease is defined as a multifactorial disease of tears and ocular surfaces that causes discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. This study aimed to determine dry eye findings in patients with depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 40 patients with depression aged 18-65 years old. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including intraocular pressure and dry eye tests, was performed. RESULTS: Among patients with depression 24 patients (70%) had dry eye syndrome. Compared with patients who did not have dry eye, the patients with dry eye were significantly older than the patients without dry eye (44 years old and 36 years old, respectively). Time in duration of depression in patients with depression and with dry eye lasted over 54 months and time of taking antidepressants was longer than 18 months and was significant, in comparing to the patients without dry eye (36 months and 10 months, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye is frequent disease in patients with depression, especially in older patients, who have longer duration of depression, and taking antidepressant medication for a longer period of time. Using of antidepressant may be cosidered as potential cause of dry eye syndrome.

Prevention and Treatment of Retinal Vein Occlusion: The Role of Diet-A Review.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal disorder. In comparison to diabetic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration, RVO is usually an unexpected event that carries a greater psychological impact. There is strong evidence to suggest that cardiovascular diseases are the most common risk factors in this pathology and it has long been known that a higher consumption of fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables has a protective effect against these types of conditions. In the last several years, interest in plant-based diets has grown in both the general population and in the scientific community, to the point to which it has become one of the main dietary patterns adopted in Western countries. The aim of this review is to investigate the potential impact of macro- and micronutrients on retinal vein occlusion.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of nutrition on the ocular surface.

Nutrients, required by human bodies to perform life-sustaining functions, are obtained from the diet. They are broadly classified into macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and water. All nutrients serve as a source of energy, provide structural support to the body and/or regulate the chemical processes of the body. Food and drinks also consist of non-nutrients that may be beneficial (e.g., antioxidants) or harmful (e.g., dyes or preservatives added to processed foods) to the body and the ocular surface. There is also a complex interplay between systemic disorders and an individual's nutritional status. Changes in the gut microbiome may lead to alterations at the ocular surface. Poor nutrition may exacerbate select systemic conditions. Similarly, certain systemic conditions may affect the uptake, processing and distribution of nutrients by the body. These disorders may lead to deficiencies in micro- and macro-nutrients that are important in maintaining ocular surface health. Medications used to treat these conditions may also cause ocular surface changes. The prevalence of nutrition-related chronic diseases is climbing worldwide. This report sought to review the evidence supporting the impact of nutrition on the ocular surface, either directly or as a consequence of the chronic diseases that result. To address a key question, a systematic review investigated the effects of intentional food restriction on ocular surface health; of the 25 included studies, most investigated Ramadan fasting (56%), followed by bariatric surgery (16%), anorexia nervosa (16%), but none were judged to be of high quality, with no randomized-controlled trials.

[Idiopathic intracranial hypertension and organ of vision]. / Idiopatyczne nadcisnienie sródczaszkowe a narzad wzroku.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is defined as a syndrome of increased intracranial pressure without causative lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. The symptoms of IIH patients are headache, transient visual obscurations, photopsia, retrobulbar pain, diplopia, visual loss and papilledema. Management of intracranial hypertension is initially medical, using a combination of managed weight body reduction and diuretic, non-steroid and steroid therapy. Surgical therapy may be required to stabilize vision.

[Systemic and ophthalmological findings in Cornelia de Lange syndrome]. / Objawy ogólne i okulistyczne zespolu Cornelii de Lange.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS, de Lange syndrome, Brachmann-de Lange syndrome), is a relatively rare genetic disorder, characterized by set of clinical abnormalities concerning different organs and systems. Phenotypic diagnosis is based on a specific dysmorphic features seen after the birth. We described a genetic basis, hereditary patterns, characteristic dysmorphic features and the most common clinical findings of patients Cornelia de Lange Syndrome concerning eye and vision, hearing, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, skeletal and psychomotor development.

The Effect of Hyperlipidemia on the Course of Diabetic Retinopathy-Literature Review.

Diabetes mellitus is a very important social issue, and its retinal complications continue to be one of the major causes of blindness worldwide. The effect of glucose level on the development of retinal retinopathy has been the subject of numerous studies and is well understood. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia have been known to be important risk factors in the development of diabetes complications. However, the mechanisms of this effect have not been fully explained and raise a good deal of controversy. The latest research results suggest that some lipoproteins are closely correlated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy and that by exerting an impact on their level the disease course can be modulated. Moreover, pharmacotherapy which reduces the level of lipids, particularly by means of statins and fibrate, has been shown to alleviate diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, we have decided to review the latest literature on diabetic retinopathy with respect to the impact of hyperlipidemia and possible preventive measures.

The Role of Resveratrol in Eye Diseases-A Review of the Literature.

Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trans-trihydroxystilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin belonging to the stilbene family. It is commonly found in grape skins and seeds, as well as other plant-based foods. Oxidative stress and inflammation play a key role in the initiation and progression of age-related eye disorders (glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration) that lead to a progressive loss of vision and blindness. Even though the way resveratrol affects the human body and the course of many diseases is still the subject of ongoing scientific research, it has been shown that the broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of resveratrol has a beneficial effect on eye tissues. In our research, we decided to analyze the current scientific literature on resveratrol, its possible mechanisms of action, and its therapeutic application in order to assess its effectiveness in eye diseases.

The Effect of Diet and Lifestyle on the Course of Diabetic Retinopathy-A Review of the Literature.

Diabetes is a major social problem. As shown by epidemiological studies, the world incidence of diabetes is increasing and so is the number of people suffering from its complications. Therefore, it is important to determine possible preventive tools. In the prevention of diabetic retinopathy, it is essential to control glycemia, lipid profile and blood pressure. This can be done not only by pharmacological treatment, but first of all by promoting a healthy lifestyle, changing dietary habits and increasing physical activity. In our work, we present a review of the literature to show that physical exercise and an adequate diet can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.