The ancient and modern literature on simple diabetic retinopathy was searched and analyzed. The commonly used drugs in ancient and modern times were summarized and the similarities and differences of medication characteristics were compared as well. The commonly used drugs in ancient and modern times were nourishing yin and moistening dryness drugs such as Gouqizi （Fructus Lycii）

Renshen （Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng）

Maidong （Radix Ophiopogonis）

Zexie （Rhizoma Alismatis）

Wuweizi （Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis） and Huanglian （Rhizoma Coptidis）. The mineral drugs were used in ancient time such as Changshi （Anhydritum）

Lishi （Gypsum Fibrosum）

Yushi （Arsenopyritum）

Zhongrushi （Stalactitum）

Qian （Galenitum）

Lujian （Alkali） and Huangdan （Minium）. Modern medical research shows that most mineral drugs contain heavy metals and minerals. The mineral drugs are rarely used in modern clinic. But blood-quickening stasis-transforming drugs and liver fire-clearing drugs were commonly used in modern time as blood stasis and emotional factors playing an important role in the course of disease.