Abstract
Objectives: To determine the pattern of ocular complications seen among patients being managed in a diabetic clinic. Methods: Patients were randomly selected from the diabetic clinic of UNTH Enugu and examined over a 3 year-period between 1997 and 2000. The procedures carried out on each patient comprised: blood pressure check with patient standing; assessment of visual acuity; slit-lamp and torchlight examination of the anterior segment; tonometry using the Perkin's handheld applanation tonometer; and fundoscopy using the directive ophthalmoscope. Results: Out of the 149 patients examined, 3 (2.0%) were blind and 23 (15.4%) had visual impairment. Nineteen patients (12.75%) had diabetic retinopathy; 33 (22.1%) had cataracts; and 7 (4.7%) glaucoma. Nine (47.3%) of those with diabetic retinopathy were found to be hypertensive, four of which had maculopathy. Conclusion: From this preliminary report, it is obvious that diabetic eye disease is also an important public health problem in southeastern Nigeria. Health education, screening for early detection, and prompt treatment of ocular complications will reduce visual loss in the patients [Nig. J. Ophthalmology Vol.11(1) 2003: 30-33]
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