Mitochondrial function is essential for the viability of aerobic eukaryotic cells, as mitochondria provide energy through the generation of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), regulate cellular metabolism, provide redox balancing, participate in immune signaling, and initiate apoptosis. Mitophagy refers to the selective elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria in cells, thereby achieving mitochondrial quality control and maintaining cell homeostasis. Recent studies have indicated that abnormal mitophagy is involved in the development of various eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy(DR), age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the definition of mitophagy, and present the results of various studies using cell culture, animal, and human tissue models. Additionally, we review the molecular process of mitophagy and its role in DR, thus providing novel ideas for the treatment of DR.