Delayed healing of diabetic corneal epithelial wound is a commonly encountered condition, and persistent corneal epithelial defects may give rise to recurrent epithelium erosion, corneal ulceration, and subsequent perforation as well as affecting visual loss. The current review focused on the pathological basis, updates of the pathogenesis, and recent advances in the treatment of delayed healing of diabetic corneal epithelial wounds, wherein the roles of hyperglycemia, tear film, proteases, cytokines, corneal nerves and genes were elaborated, and the latest views on treatment strategies, for the delayed healing were summarized as well. Recent advances in research on delayed corneal epithelial wound healing in diabetes mellitus.