Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant cause of visual impairment; many diabetics do not have regular eye examinations, although it is known that early diagnosis and reduces the risk of blindness. There were many barriers that prevent diabetics from attending eye clinics.
 Objectives: To assess knowledge, and practice about ocular complications among diabetic patients and to determine barriers preventing the diabetic patients annual visual checking
 Methods: A cross-sectional study involving the interview was conducted among 300 diabetic patients attending out patient in Ibn Al Haitham Teaching Ophthalmology Hospital between November 2017 and June 2018.
 Results: The vast majority of patients (95%) believe that; diabetes could affect their eyes. 67% have their eyes checked up after being diagnosed with diabetes, of which only 33% they examined their eyes if vision got poor. Majority of patients believe that; controlling their blood sugar levels can help preserve their vision (84%). 72% of the total has good knowledge of DM effect on the eye. 55% of patients obtained their knowledge from the doctor and only 2% having obtained this knowledge from Television. Unfortunately only 3% of them check their vision annually 37 % they don’t know treatments available for diabetic retinopathy.
 Conclusion: Diabetic patients’ knowledge of ocular manifestations and the practice of diabetic patients towards eye examination were low, thus required to improve practice towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a multi-systemic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, is on the increase worldwide[1]
DM is further classified as type 1 (T1DM), which results from pancreatic beta cell failure such that insufficient insulin is produced to effectively clear blood glucose; type 2 (T2DM), which is defined by a state of insulin resistance whereby target cells fail to effectively respond to the hormone, insulin; and gestational DM, which occurs when pregnant women develop insulin resistance during pregnancy [6]
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), microangiopathy affecting all of the small retinal vessels, such as arterioles, capillaries, and venules, is characterized by increased vascular permeability, ocular hemorrhages, lipid exudate, by vascular closure mediated by the development of new vessels on the retina and the posterior vitreous surface
Summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM), a multi-systemic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, is on the increase worldwide[1]. Knowledge of the prevention and risk factors of ocular complications is essential to prevent vision loss among DM patients. The majority of diabetes patients are aware that diabetes can cause eye diseases, their attitude and practice are not at the desired level, which needs to be improved [8]. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant cause of visual impairment; many diabetics do not have regular eye examinations, it is known that early diagnosis and reduces the risk of blindness. Conclusion: Diabetic patients’ knowledge of ocular manifestations and the practice of diabetic patients towards eye examination were low, required to improve practice towards eye care to prevent visual impairment.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
