Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence And Risk Factors

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment worldwide. Global estimates suggest that approximately 22-26% of people with diabetes have some degree of DR, with about 6% experiencing vision-threatening disease. The burden is expected to increase substantially, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Vietnam is experiencing a rapid rise in diabetes prevalence, however, data from Central Vietnam, particularly from multidisciplinary general hospitals, remain limited.

This study aims to evalutate the local prevalence, severity distribution, and associated risk factors of DR in a general hospital in Da Nang which is essential to inform screening strategies, optimize management, and reduce preventable vision loss.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) according to ADA criteria
• Underwent ophthalmic examination including dilated fundus examination and OCT
• Available electronic medical records with key clinical and laboratory data

Exclusion criteria

• Gestational diabetes mellitus
• Media opacity precluding fundus examination (advanced cataract, corneal opacity, dense vitreous hemorrhage)
• Other retinal diseases (e.g., hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion)
• History of ocular trauma or intraocular surgery within 6 months