DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: DIAGNOSIS, SCREENING AND CURRENT TREATMENTS — AN INTEGRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults worldwide. Objective: To review the scientific literature on the diagnosis, screening and current treatments for DR, with emphasis on evidence published between 2021 and 2025. Methods: Integrative review in PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases using the descriptors "diabetic retinopathy AND diagnosis AND treatment", "diabetic retinopathy AND anti-VEGF", "diabetic retinopathy AND artificial intelligence AND screening" and "retinopatia diabética AND diagnóstico AND tratamento", covering the period 2021-2025, with rigorous inclusion/exclusion criteria and CASP quality assessment. Results: Twenty-eight articles were included. Systemic metabolic control remains the primary preventive basis. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections — especially faricimab and aflibercept — are the gold standard for diabetic macular edema. Panretinal photocoagulation maintains a relevant role in proliferative DR, but treatment sequence influences surgical outcomes. Artificial intelligence and multimodal imaging technologies expand the diagnostic reach. In Brazil, screening coverage remains insufficient and regionally unequal. Conclusion: DR management requires a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach. Systematic screening and early treatment are essential for visual acuity preservation.