Myopia and diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Xiang; Tang, Luosheng; Gao, Ling; Yang, Yujia; Cao, Dan; Li, Yunping
• Is Part Of: Diabetes research and clinical practice. Volume 111(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Myopia -- Diabetic retinopathy -- Axial length -- Odds ratio -- Association; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2015.10.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8227

Abstract

Highlights: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of myopia with diabetic retinopathy. Nine studies involving 29, 231 individuals were included. Current studies suggest that individuals with myopia exhibit a decreased risk for developing diabetic retinopathy or vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. An increased axial length plays a critical role in this protective effect. Abstract: Aims: Myopia may have protective effects against diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the data from epidemiologic studies are inconsistent. We aimed to examine the association between myopia and DR by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: We identified studies by searching the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Study-specific odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using a fixed or random effects model. Myopic eyes were defined as having a spherical equivalent (SE) < −0.5 diopters (D). Myopic SE, each diopter decrease in SE toward myopia, and each millimeter increase in axial length (AL) were used as independent surrogate variables for myopia. Results: Data from 6 population-based and 3 clinic-based studies were included in the analyses. Myopic SE (compared with emmetropic eyes) and each millimeter increase in AL were associated with a decreased risk for DR (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.80 and 0.79, respectively; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–0.95 and 0.73–0.86, respectively; P = 0.011 and 0.000, respectively). Each millimeter increase in AL was also associated with a decreased risk for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) (pooled OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60–0.82; P = 0.000). No significant association between each diopter decrease in SE and DR was observed. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that individuals with myopia exhibit a decreased risk of developing DR or VTDR. An increased AL plays a critical role in this protective effect.