Our project investigates the new characteristics of diabetic retinopathy using liquid eye biopsy in combination with novel parameters of glucose control obtained with continuous glucose monitoring. This approach will bring new knowledge and implications for future therapies.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common causes of blindness in developed countries. The short-term glucose fluctuations have been suggested as a factor contributing to the risk of diabetic complications including ocular complications. We hypothesize that modulatory and other biological abilities of miRNAs and inflammatory chemokines/cytokines have a significant impact on the development and the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Our main goal is to identify the biomarkers that will in time be used for new screening, diagnostic, and treatment strategies for patients with diabetic retinopathy, bring a better prevention and early treatment to them and thus improve their quality of life while saving the cost associated with advanced forms of retinopathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• ≥ 18 years old
• treatment with insulin for at least 5 years prior baseline
• any form of diabetic retinopathy and macular edema
• HbA1c < 10%
• written informed consent prior to starting study related activity

Exclusion Criteria:

• any active intraocular or periocular infectious or non-infectious inflammation in study eye
• uncontrolled glaucoma
• history of intraocular inflammation or trauma in study eye
• intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy in study eye during a 3-month perido prior to baseline
• use of corticosteroid intravitreal implant in study eye at any time

Adult patients with T1DM or T2DM treated with insulin with or without any form of diabetic retinopathy and the matched controls, who are indicated to ocular surgery procedure as standard of care.