This study investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanism of combining systemic metformin (MET) with intravitreal MCC950, a specific NLRP3 inhibitor, in a rodent model of DR.<h4>Methods</h4>A type 2 diabetic rat model was induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is type 2 diabetes mellitus.