The diabetic retinopathy which often occurs in patients with advanced diabetes mellitus (DM) can usually be realized, but diabetic keratopathy (DK) could sometimes be ignored. In recent years, many studies have found out that DK can cause significant abnormal changes in many ways, including structure, metabolism and physiological functions of the cornea. At present, there is no effective therapy to cure DK. The current mainstream therapy mostly focuses on symptomatic treatment to maintain a smooth and moist ocular surface, minimize visual loss and improve comfort, such as local drip of artificial tears, use of corneal bandage lens and local use of anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these existing treatment methods have limited repair ability for corneal tissue damage. In recent years, a number of new treatment methods have emerged, which are expected to be clinically used in the future, such as nerve growth factors and insulin therapy.
