Visual Impairment and Its Associated Factors among People Living with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus at Dessie Town Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia, 2020

Abstract

Visual impairment (VI) is a functional limitation of the eye(s) that results in reduced visual acuity, visual field loss, visual distortion, perceptual difficulties, or any combination of the above. Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the common causes of VI. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of VI in diabetes individuals. Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out, and VI was measured using visual acuity test. We used Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS - 21for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. To find statistically linked factors of VI, we used both binary and multivariable logistic regression. The strength of association was estimated using AOR at 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at p less than 0.05. The present study revealed 37.58% of people have VI, which is statistically linked to age, lack of regular exercise, diabetes for >5 years, insulin treatment, and poor glycemic control. Finally, individuals with T2DM who had VI accounted for more than a third of those treated in Dessie town hospitals. Advanced age, poor frequent exercise, longer duration of diabetes, and insulin are predictors. To lower the risk of VI and visual loss, early identification of VI through screening and regular follow-up is recommended.