To quantitatively evaluate the relationship between retinopathy and the risk of stroke.
Approach:
Literature Search: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to June 12, 2023, to identify observational studies on retinopathy and stroke.
Key Findings:
Retinopathy was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke (OR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.50–2.33) based on 10 studies eligible for quantitative meta-analysis.
A graded relationship was observed between retinopathy severity and stroke risk, with higher risks in advanced stages.
The association was consistent across subgroups stratified by country, age, and study characteristics.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Potential small-study effect could not be entirely excluded.
Heterogeneity in retinopathy classification limited some analyses.
Conclusion:
Retinal microvascular abnormalities may indicate increased stroke risk.
