EC Ophthalmology

Diabetes-related eye disease - especially diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of avoidable sight loss worldwide. As global diabetes prevalence rises, the absolute burden of vision impairment from DR is projected to increase substantially over the coming decades. This editorial synthesizes current evidence about scope and trends, pathophysiology, clinical types and staging, screening and diagnostic approaches (including telemedicine and AI), modern treatments, and crucially preventive and population level early detection strategies. We end with practical recommendations for clinicians, health systems and policymakers to reduce the avoidable blindness toll [2].

 Keywords: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR); Diabetic Macular Edema (DME); International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology - Diabetic Retinopathy PPP (Preferred Practice Pattern).
2. Teo ZL., et al. “Global Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Projection (systematic review & meta-analysis)”. Ophthalmology 11 (2021): 1580-1591.
3. ADA Standards (full article, 2024/2025 updates).
4. IDF / IAPB - Diabetic Retinopathy: A Call for Global Action (policy brief).
5. ASRS (American Society of Retina Specialists) - Diabetic Retinopathy fact sheet (PDF).
6. PubMed / Sciencedirect study references on global DR prevalence and projections.
7. ADA Standards - Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care review (full text).
8. Emedicine / Medscape - Diabetic Retinopathy guidelines and overview.
9. EyeWiki - Diabetic Retinopathy clinical summary and staging.
10. IDF Diabetes facts and figures (global diabetes burden).
11. WHO - Diabetes fact sheet and management recommendations.
12. News reports and real-world AI deployments (AIIMS MadhuNETrAI; Rajasthan MadhuNetr DR-AI pilot).
13. WHO Europe / regional reports on DR screening impact.
14. ADA Clinical Standards article listing retinopathy section details.
15. Various position statements endorsing validated digital imaging for screening.