Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye called the retina. It is the principal cause of visual impairment in people of working age and significantly reduces the quality of life for millions, whilst also placing an ever increasing financial burden on the Health Service.

The cause of diabetic retinopathy remains uncertain although it has recently been discovered that diabetics suffering from an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, do not experience the retinal damage associated with high blood glucose. Additional evidence suggests that reduced oxygen usage by the retina could be an important protective factor. These researchers will use a range of cellular and biomolecular techniques to further our knowledge of both diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa. The aim is to find new treatment strategies that could stop the progression of these important eye diseases.