Retinal Vascular Geometry in Asian Persons with Diabetes and Retinopathy

Abstract

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 μm, p = .001). Among nondiabetic subjects, however, those with retinopathy had more tortuous venules than those without retinopathy [5.19(x10⁴) versus 4.27(x10⁴), 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.