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 diabetesglobally and is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness. Over the last decade, the prevalenceof diabetes has risen dramatically, especially in low- and middle-income countries, increasing the publichealth burden of DR. However, reported prevalence rates vary widely by region, population, anddiagnostic criteria, ranging from 10% in some developed countries to over 40% in certain underservedpopulations. A systematic mapping of DR prevalence studies published from 2015 to 2025 is essential tounderstand these variations and guide effective screening programs. Objective: To map and summarize the global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among people withdiabetes, 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 studiesinclude 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 tobe searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers will independently screenand 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, diabeticmacular 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 inNorth 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. ThePRISMA-ScR flow diagram will depict the study selection process. Conclusion : This review will provide comprehensive insights into the global epidemiology of diabeticretinopathy over the past decade, highlighting critical geographic and methodological gaps. Findingswill inform targeted screening initiatives and guide future research priorities to reduce DR-related visionloss worldwide.