Objective To investigate the influence of character strengths on coping styles in patients with diabetic retinopathy, and to provide a reference for developing targeted psychological interventions. Methods A total of 281 patients with diabetic retinopathy were investigated using the general information questionnaire, the Three-Dimensional Inventory of Character Strengths (TIS) Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and Trait Coping Style Questionnaire (TCSQ). Results The score of character strengths in patients with diabetic retinopathy was (3.40±0.74). The scores of positive and negative coping styles were (3.14±0.67) and (2.80±0.63), respectively. Character strengths of the patients were positively correlated with positive coping styles and negatively correlated with negative coping styles (all P<0.05). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that character strengths had a significant impact on both positive and negative coping styles (all P<0.05). The introduction of character strengths independently explained 8.1% of positive coping styles and 16.1% of negative coping styles in the patients.Conclusion Patients with diabetic retinopathy tend to adopt positive coping styles, and character strengths have a significant impact on their coping styles. Medical staff can guide patients to leverage their character strengths to promote their positive attitude in facing the challenges of the disease.