Purpose of review: As the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases globally, recognition of the atypical manifestations of diabetic retinopathy will become increasingly important.
Recent findings: In addition to the inherent variability in the spectrum of diabetic retinopathy, coexisting systemic or ocular conditions can dramatically alter the retinal manifestations of diabetes mellitus in any given patient.
Summary: We review here the clinical features and treatment implications associated with the atypical manifestations of diabetic retinopathy.