Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic progressive retinal disease caused by sustained hyperglycemia, which has become one of the leading causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in China.Nevertheless, factors that contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of DR remain unclear.Previous research has revealed that some environmental pollutants including particulate matter, H₂S, cobalt, cadmium, cesium, phthalic acid esters, methylglyoxal and 2-piperidone can potentially increase the risk or progression of DR through the related pathways of oxidative stress, inflammatory response and vascular endothelial growth factor.To clarify the causal and dose-response relationship between exposure to environmental pollutants and DR, further investigation is required to explore the detailed mechanisms.Moreover, longitudinal studies with quantified measurements of environmental exposures are also needed.This article reviews recent epidemiological research and the potential mechanisms of correlation between DR and air pollution, heavy metal pollution and chemical pollution.

Diabetic retinopathy; Environmental pollution; Air pollution; Heavy metal pollution; Chemical pollution