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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

10.3906/sag-1002-589

Abstract

To determine the plasma prevalence and characteristics of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Pakistani diabetic patients in the Faisalabad region. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. People with DR are 25 times more likely to become blind than nondiabetics. Materials and methods: The incidence of retinopathy was determined in 1524 people with diabetes during April 2008 and January 2009. Physician-diagnosed diabetic patients underwent an eye examination by ophthalmoscopy and fundus photography. Participants were also interviewed and examined in order to determine demographic characteristics and medical history. Results: Of the 1524 patients screened, 183 (12%) had DR. Of these, 7% (106) had nonproliferative DR and 5% (77) had proliferative DR. Clinically significant macular edema was detected in 1.2% of patients. The prevalence of DR was higher in patients with type 1 diabetes than in those with type 2 diabetes. This difference was found to be statistically insignificant, however (P > 0.05). About 3% of the diabetic patients in our study had a family history of diabetes and only 6% had a history of regular eye examinations. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of DR in Faisalabad. An organized approach is needed to ensure adequate prevention and treatment in patients with diabetes.

Keywords

Retinopathy, diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia

First Page

735

Last Page

742

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