AIM: To investigate the correlation between degenerative myopia and diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS: Totally 106 cases with diabetes B were divided into the degenerative myopia group(48 cases)and the no degenerative myopia group(58 cases). Fundus examination and fluorescence fundus angiography(FFA)were performed on all cases. The occurrence and stage of DR were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS: The occurrence of DR of the no degenerative myopia group(93.1%)was much higher than that of the degenerative myopia group(70.8%). Only retinopathy of stageⅠor Ⅱ was observed in the degenerative myopia group without lesion in proliferating phase, while retinopathy of stageⅠto Ⅴ could be found in the no degenerative myopia group.

CONCLUSION: Degenerative myopia can prevent DR from occurrence and may be a protective factor for DR.