Alpha-lipoic acid in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment

Aim. The aim of this study is to assess the therapeutic efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Materials and methods. 47 patients with mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy were included in this trial. Dynamics of ophthalmologic parameters were assessed by means of stereoscopic photography of ocular fundus. Patients were examined every 6 months in order to register new cases of clinically significant macular oedema. Results. During 24 months follow-up period, patients treated with 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid showed stabilization in development of diabetic retinopathy. New cases of macular oedema, as well as transition into a more severe stage of retonopathy were less common in those patients. Vision and contrast sensation also remained stable in the majority of participants from experimental group. Conclusions. 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid may be recommended for patients with type 2 DM as part of complex therapy.