Eye Axial Length: Is There a Protective Link to Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness globally, particularly among working-age adults. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, understanding factors that influence DR development and progression is increasingly important. Recent studies suggest a protective association between a longer axial length (AL) of the eye and the risk of DR, particularly in myopic individuals.