Global Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy Over the Last Decade (2015–2025): A Scoping Review

Background : Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects approximately 30–40% of people with diabetes globally and is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Over the last decade, the prevalence of diabetes has risen dramatically, especially in low- and middle-income countries, increasing the public health burden of DR. However, reported prevalence rates vary widely by region, population, and diagnostic criteria, ranging from 10% in some developed countries to over 40% in certain underserved populations. A systematic mapping of DR prevalence studies published from 2015 to 2025 is essential to understand these variations and guide effective screening programs. Objective : To map and summarize the global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among people with diabetes, identifying regional differences, variations by diabetes type, and trends over the past decade. Methods : We will conduct a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible studies include cross-sectional and cohort studies published in English between January 2015 and July 2025, reporting prevalence data on any type of DR among adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Databases to be searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data on study characteristics, sample sizes (ranging from 200 to over 50,000 participants), DR prevalence rates (ranging from 8% to 45%), DR subtypes (non-proliferative, proliferative, diabetic macular edema), and diagnostic methods (fundus photography, clinical examination). Results : Preliminary synthesis indicates an overall global DR prevalence averaging approximately 27%, with higher rates reported in Africa (up to 35%) and Southeast Asia (up to 40%), and lower rates in North America (~15–20%). Proliferative DR prevalence generally ranges between 3–8% globally. Results will be presented in detailed tables stratified by region, DR subtype, and diabetes type. The PRISMA-ScR flow diagram will depict the study selection process. Conclusion : This review will provide comprehensive insights into the global epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy over the past decade, highlighting critical geographic and methodological gaps. Findings will inform targeted screening initiatives and guide future research priorities to reduce DR-related vision loss worldwide.