Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent and sight-threatening ocular complication of diabetes, and one of the leading causes of vision loss and blindness among the working-age population worldwide. Driven by a growing understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying DR, treatment strategies have evolved from a sole focus on glycaemic control to comprehensive, multi-targeted, and multimodal therapies. This study systematically summarises the characteristics of current clinical trials focused on DR treatment and evaluates the employed research methodologies. The aim of this review is to optimise trial design and improve trial quality to elucidate treatment efficacy. Methods This study followed the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. Clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR) were retrieved (from July 23, 2016 to July 23, 2026). In addition, clinical trials indexed in PubMed from July 23, 2016 to July 23, 2026 were retrieved. Data from the included studies were extracted and presented in tabular form. Results Clinical research targeting DR has expanded rapidly, reflecting a shift toward diverse interventions like anti-Vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF) drugs, laser treatments, and combined therapies. However, these studies are often limited by poor methodology, insufficient data from primary care environments, and low patient follow-up rates. Conclusion This review represents the first comprehensive assessment of current DR clinical research, exposing key design weaknesses in existing trials. Future meta-analyses and systematic evaluations are urgently needed to generate robust evidence that can guide optimal treatment strategies.</p>