Association of high blood lead level and diabetic retinopathy among Saudi diabetic patients

Ocular safety of intravitreal ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA): An experimental feasibility study

“…In addition, many ocular drugs are safe when applied topically, but completely toxic for ocular tissues when administrated via intraocular routs. High levels of heavy metals including lead may cause progression of some retinal disorders including AMD and diabetic retinopathy, and EDTA as a heavy metals chelator can potentially retard the progression of these diseases [13] , [14] . Furthermore, EDTA as an anti-oxidant component may protect the retina from ischemic injuries [27] , [10] , [9] .…”

“…Hwang et al [13] reported that an increased level of blood lead was associated with AMD progression. Elmorsy and Parrey [14] suggested a high blood lead level maybe a contributing factor in diabetic retinopathy.…”

“…Therefore, according to the literature and chemical features of EDTA, intravitreal injection of this agent (as a heavy metal chelator and antioxidant) may prove useful in ocular neuroprotection. Potentially, this component (as a heavy metal chelator) may be useful in reducing inflammatory and degenerative processes of various disorders of the retina and optic nerve including AMD, diabetic retinopathy, some optic neuropathies, and their relevant conditions, as previous studies have revealed the role of heavy metals, including lead, in deterioration of some retinal disorders [13] , [14] . Furthermore, EDTA has antioxidant effects, and the role of these types of components in protecting the retina from ischemic injuries is well known [27] , [10] , [9] .…”