Objective: To observe the effect of Zhenwu decoction for Treating elderly type 2 diabetic retinopathy. Method: Eighty patients with elderly type 2 diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided into two groups (n=40

each). The control group was treated by routine western medicine for type 2 diabetic retinopathy

the observation group was treated by Zhenwu decoction in addition. Two groups were treated for 3 months. The improvement in visual acuity and retinopathy and plasma endothelin level were measured before and after treatment. Result: After treatment

endothelin level in the two groups was significantly decreased compared with those before treatment

and the one in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 80.00% and 50.00% in the observation group and in the control group respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion: Zhenwu decoction combined with western medicine for treating elderly type 2 diabetic retinopathy

can significantly improve efficacy

and reduce the level of plasma endothelin. It is also important for the prevention and treatment of microvascular complications.