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Retinal Physician

Article

Study Investigates DR in Native Americans

The CDC notes that while indigenous Americans face higher rates of diabetes, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in this population has received little study.

By: Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management
Retinal Physician August 20, 2025 Vol 22, Issue July/August 2025
5 Key Takeaways

  • 1

    A systematic review estimated diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence in American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) compared to nonindigenous Americans.

  • 2

    The study found that 21% of AI/AN patients with diabetes had any DR, similar to 20% in non-AI/AN patients.

  • 3

    Proliferative DR (PDR) occurred in 3% of AI/AN patients, compared to 2% in non-AI/AN patients, with vision-threatening DR reported in 3% of AI/AN patients.

  • 4

    Longer diabetes duration and higher HbA1c levels were associated with increased DR prevalence, particularly in non-AI/AN patients.

  • 5

    The study highlighted the need for improved screening and treatment in underserved populations, recommending teleophthalmology and AI-based diagnostics.