ObjectiveTo analyze the status and influencing factors of awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) knowledge in diabetics in Funing County, Jiangsu Province. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. In 2021, a total of 2 125 residents with diabetes in Funing County, Jiangsu Province were recruited using cluster random sampling methods. General examinations were performed and ophthalmological evaluation were conducted including visual acuity in daily life, slit lamp microscope with preset lens, digital non-mydriatic fundus photography. Clinical assessment and classification of DR were according to the international standard clinical classifications of diabetic retinopathy in 2019. DR was classified into no obvious DR, mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), moderate NPDR, severe NPDR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Field questionnaire surveys were conducted to show the awareness rate of DR knowledge. Then Chi-square test and Logistic regression analysis were used to investigate influencing factors. ResultsAmong 2 125 subjects, 762 (35.86%, 762/2 125) residents were male and 1 363 (64.14%, 1 363/2 125) residents were female. A total of 444 (20.89%, 444/2 125) subjects were diagnosed as DR. Among which, 438 (20.61%, 438/2 125) subjects were NPDR, 6 (0.28%, 6/2 125) subjects were PDR. A total of 419 (19.72%, 419/2 125) subjects were diagnosed as cataract. The topic awareness rates were all below 45.00%. The overall population awareness rate was 19.45% (4 959/25 500). Awareness rate was correlated with age, visual acuity in daily life, education level, family history of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy grades and the type of treatment for diabetes (P＜0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the knowledge rate of prevention and treatment of DR Decreased significantly in patients aged 60-79 compared with those aged under 50 (P＜0.05). Compared with those with visual acuity＜0.1 in daily life, the knowledge rate of DR prevention and treatment in those with visual acuity≥0.1 was significantly decreased (P＜0.05). While primary school to college education, with family history of diabetes, with DR, oral hypoglycemic agents and/or insulin treatment were associated with higher awareness rate (P＜0.05). ConclusionsThe DR knowledge level is low among diabetics in Funing County, Jiangsu Province in 2021. Age, visual acuity in daily life, education level, family history of diabetes, with DR and receiving drug treatments are main influencing factors for diabetic’s awareness.