Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
Retinal Pathophysiological Evaluation in a Rat Model
Published on: May 6, 2022
Retinal vascular geometry in Asian persons with diabetes and retinopathy
Carol Yim-lui Cheung1, Ecosse Lamoureux, M Kamran Ikram
1Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore. carol.cheung.y.l@seri.com.sg
Purpose:
Our purpose was to examine the relationship of retinal vascular parameters with diabetes and retinopathy in an older Asian population.
Methods:
Retinal photographs from participants of a population-based survey of Asian Malay persons aged 40-80 years were analyzed. Specific retinal vascular parameters (tortuosity, branching angle, fractal dimension, and caliber) were measured using a semiautomated computer-based program. Diabetes was defined as random plasma glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/liter, the use of diabetes medication, or physician-diagnosed diabetes. Retinopathy signs were graded from photographs using the modified Airlie House classification system.
Results:
A total of 2735 persons were included in the study. Persons with diabetes (n = 594) were more likely to have straighter (less tortuous) arterioles and wider arteriolar and venular caliber than those without diabetes (n = 2141). Among subjects with diabetes, those with retinopathy had wider venular caliber than those without retinopathy (211.3 versus 204.9 mm, p = .001). Among nondiabetic subjects, however, those with retinopathy had more tortuous venules than those without retinopathy [5.19(×10(4)) versus 4.27(×10(4)), p < .001].
Conclusions:
Retinal vascular parameters varied by diabetes and retinopathy status in this older Asian cohort. Our findings suggest that subtle alterations in retinal vascular architecture are influenced by diabetes.
