Clinical Predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy Progression; A Systematic Review

Objective: This study was conducted to discuss the clinical value of published Diabetic Retinopathy Progression determinants.

Methods: The data for systematic review was collected from the published studies through PubMed and Medline. These studies discussed the clinical predictors of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) progression. The common keywords used were diabetic Retinopathy, diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and albuminuria.

Results: Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the common causes of irreversible visual impairment among adults. Poor glycemic control, systemic hypertension, diabetes duration, dyslipidemia, and microalbuminuria are the major risk factors for the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy. Recently, increased aortic stiffness has been identified as a prognostic marker of diabetic retinopathy and peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion: Certain groups of diabetic individuals are at higher risk to have progressive diabetic retinopathy and eventually visual impairment. Clinical determinants and predictors are considered as prognostic markers and could help physicians to develop an effective risk-based screening program for this condition.