Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness among diabetic patients, particularly in areas with an increase in diabetes epidemics, such as Saudi Arabia. Notwithstanding the significant public health implications, data on the prevalence and risk factors of DR in Saudi Arabia are few and scattered, limited to certain geographic areas. Our study objective is to conduct a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of the prevalence and predictors for DR in Saudi Arabia, within both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were constructed according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar electronic databases for studies published from 2000–2023. Any study related to the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in T1DM or T2DM among adult patients aged ≥18 years that was conducted in Saudi Arabia was included. Pooling prevalence estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity across the studies was tested by the I² statistic and Cochran’s Q test. Results: A total of 11 studies published between 2006 and 2019 met the inclusion criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 99 to over 50,000 participants. The overall pooled prevalence of DR was estimated to be 31% (95% CI: 24–39%), with substantial heterogeneity observed across studies (I² = 99%). Prevalence estimates ranged from 16.7% to 69.8% and were influenced by variables such as study design, duration of diabetes, and glycemic control. Among individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pooled prevalence was 24% (95% CI: 20–28%). Poor glycemic control and longer diabetes duration were consistently identified as significant predictors of DR, while other factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were also associated with an increased risk of DR. Conclusions: The high prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia highlights the critical need for focused public health initiatives, especially among those with type 2 diabetes. To minimize the effects of DR, early intervention, routine DR screening programs, and optimal diabetes control are essential. The increasing prevalence of DR in Saudi Arabia requires careful consideration of healthcare policy and resource allocation, which is made possible by our results.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a tremendous expansion in the internet and technology and social distancing, which increased the usage of digital devices more than before. This puts people at a higher risk of getting digital eye strain symptoms especially dry eye. This study aimed at evaluating the association between digital eye strain symptoms, especially dry eye, and the online study during the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students at Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 medical students at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed among medical students. Results: The present study showed a significant difference between usage duration before and during the lockdown. Digital device use for more than 10 hours per day was reported by 67.4% of the medical students 57.1% were male students. Chi-squared analysis indicated most symptoms are associated with the usage duration. The overall prevalence of digital eye strain was 92.6%, and the most notable symptoms that increased during the pandemic were those related to eye dryness (43.5%). Moreover, the most frequently used device daily was the smartphone (90.6%) and tablet (71.2%). Conclusion: The use of screen-based technologies has become a necessity of modern life, notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a serious dependence on them and an increase in the prevalence of digital eye strain symptoms, particularly eye dryness. It is important to raise awareness about digital eye strain symptoms, including dry eye associated with long use of digital devices and the measures to protect ocular health by limiting screen time use, following the 20-20-20 rule, using lubricant eye drops and protective glasses.