The prevalence of tractional retinal detachment in diabetic retinopathy at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus and can evolve into tractional retinal detachment (TRD), a severe form of DR that can cause lifelong vision loss. Early detection and treatment of TRD are critical to prevent visual impairment. Patients and methods This retrospective study was conducted at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess the prevalence of TRD in patients with diabetes mellitus of various ages and to describe the epidemiological characteristics of individuals with TRD. One hundred diabetic individuals who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for TRD between January 2019 and December 2023 were included in the research. The patient’s medical records were reviewed in order to obtain information about their demographic and health features. Results According to the study, 29 (5.8%) of the 499 individuals developed TRD. Patients with type 1 diabetes and uncontrolled hyperglycemia exhibited a greater incidence of TRD than those with type 2 diabetes and good glycemic control. Compared to patients who were treated with oral or injectable hypoglycemics, patients who were treated with insulin had a greater rate of TRD. At the first follow-up, the initial manifestation of TRD remained stable or improved in the majority of patients, but the rate of worsening RD status rose at the second and third follow-ups. Conclusion The high frequency of TRD in diabetes patients emphasizes the need for routine eye examinations and early identification of DR. TRD is more prevalent in patients with type 1 diabetes, insulin treatment, and uncontrolled low-density lipoprotein. Regular follow-up exams are essential for monitoring the evolution of DR and detecting TRD in its earliest stages. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the risk factors for TRD and should advise diabetes patients to undergo routine eye exams to prevent vision loss.