Narrative Review of Diabetes and Eye Complications: Retinopathy

Mwende Wairimu G.

 

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and remains a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness globally. This narrative review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, management strategies, and public health implications of diabetic retinopathy, with attention to disparities across geographic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. Evidence indicates that chronic hyperglycemia, duration of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity are central drivers of DR onset and progression, mediated through complex metabolic and inflammatory pathways that result in retinal microvascular damage and neurodegeneration. Despite declining incidence in some high-income settings, the global burden of DR continues to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where limited access to screening and treatment exacerbates preventable vision loss. Current management approaches, including glycemic control, laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy, and surgical interventions, can reduce disease progression but often fail to fully restore visual function and may be associated with adverse effects. Emerging strategies such as artificial intelligence–assisted screening, telemedicine, and integrated care models show promise in improving early detection and access to care. Addressing diabetic retinopathy requires coordinated clinical, technological, and public health interventions focused on early prevention, equitable screening, and health system strengthening to mitigate its growing global impact.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetes complications, Vision impairment, Retinal microvascular disease and Screening and prevention.

CITE AS: Mwende Wairimu G. (2026). Narrative Review of Diabetes and Eye Complications: Retinopathy. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(1):61-65. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/1116165