Abstract

Dr. B.V.S Lakshmi*, Vishala Nanduri, T. Kiran Kumar and M.Sudhakar

ABSTRACT

Context: Many diabetic patients fear visual loss as the worst consequence of diabetes. In most studies the main eye pathology is assigned as the cause of visual impairment. Diabetic retinopathy, the most frequent cause of blindness among adults, affects 60% of people with Type 2 diabetes during the first 2 decades of the disease. Aims: To assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in newly diagnosed type 2 patients. Settings and design: A hospital based Prospective observational Study was carried out on 80 patients. Materials and methods: In this study, the patients detected with Diabetes Mellitus recently (within 6 months) aged ?35 years were enrolled. Subjects were guided to the ophthalmology department to be assessed for the presence of Diabetic Retinopathy. (Tests such as Visual acuity, dilated exam, and Slit lamp test, Funduscopic test) was performed. Based on the tests the patients were categorised into- Non proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Data was obtained to assess the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy and Health related QOL questionnaire was used to assess impact of this complication on patient’s quality of life. Results: At diabetes diagnosis median age was 60.28 years. Over 6 months, the prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy was found to be 12.5% and the prevalence of NPDR was found to be 25%, PDR was found to be 10%. Male sex (P=0.0304), high HbA1c value > 10% (P= 0.0260) and Physical activity (P=0.0451) were found to be major risk factors. Impact of Diabetic Retinopathy on QOL parameters included Anger, difficulty in using public transport, 57.14% effect on their finance, 35.71% visual differences in both eyes, 64.28% patients reported pain and 46.42% patients reported difficulty in reading. Conclusions: This study underlines the need of early detection of Type 2 DM along with its microvascular complication like Diabetic Retinopathy, to prevent or retard its progression.