ABSTRACTDiabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the major causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. The onset and progression of DR are influenced by systemic factors such as hyperglycemia and hypertension as well as ocular parameters. A better knowledge of the risk factors for DR is vital to improving the outcome of patients with DR and risk stratification. More recently, there has been increasing focus on the influence of myopia on DR development. Some observational studies have reported myopia being a protective factor for the development of DR, however the findings were inconsistent. In addition, it remains unclear whether it was myopia, axial length (AL), or other refractive factors that play the protective role. The protective mechanism against DR may be related to ocular elongation, posterior vitreous detachment, low perfusion in the retina and the abnormal cytokine profile. This systematic review will summarize the association of DR with refractory status as well as different refractive components including anterior chamber depth, refractory power of the lens, AL, and axial length-to-corneal radius ratio.
Commentary: Ocular biometry in a developing country's perspective
