Vascular Changes and Neurodegeneration in the Early Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy: Which Comes First?

Introduction: Neurodegeneration is an early component of diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is unclear whether neurodegeneration is an independent factor or a consequence of damaged retinal vasculature. The aims of this study were to review the literature concerning neurodegeneration in diabetic patients without or with early DR, and to examine whether neurodegeneration precedes visible vasculopathy in the pathogenesis of DR.