Currently, the main methods for treating diabetic retinopathy(DR): laser photocoagulation, medication, pars plana vitrectomy(PPV). The advantages of traditional laser photocoagulation are: relatively safe, long-lasting effect, but laser damages the visual quality of patients; PPV can save the vision of some patients, the risk and trauma of the surgery are greater. Although pharmacotherapy is applicable in the early stages of DR, glucocorticoids cannot be used as the main treatment because of their definite side effects; anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)drug therapy can block diabetes from the pathogenesis. The occurrence and development of sexual retinopathy, however, the efficacy is relatively short, and the potential dangers and systemic side effects of repeated treatment still require further large-scale studies.