To Evaluate the Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Awareness Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among Admitted Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bihar

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an emerging cause of blindness in developing countries. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors, and awareness associated with DR among admitted diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A noninterventional case series study was conducted among diabetic patients referred for ophthalmic consultation. The patients’ detailed demographics, awareness of DR, concurrent systemic problems, and glycemic control status were recorded. DR was graded using the Early Treatment DR Study criteria. Main Outcome Measures: The prevalence, risk factors, and awareness of DR among the study participants were analyzed. Results: A total of 270 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 62.20 ± 13.24 years. Only one-third (34.4%) of the cases were admitted for sugar control and newly diagnosed cases comprised 19.63%. Dilated fundus evaluation was done for the first time in 44.8%. DR was found in 41.11% of the cases and was diagnosed in 15% of the new cases. More than four-fifths diabetics patients (88%) had the disease for 16-20 years. Clinically significant macular edema was found in 5.19% and proliferative DR in 2.22%. DR was significantly associated with the duration of diabetes (P = 0.001) and concurrent hypertension (P = 0.004). Conclusion: DR is a common problem with diabetics in Bihar. The prevalence of DR was 41% among the admitted diabetic cases and the DR was significantly associated with the duration of diabetes and systemic hypertension. Almost half of the cases had been unaware of DR before referral. This emphasizes the importance of the collaboration of the physician and the ophthalmologist for early DR detection.