DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN A COHORT OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DIABETES AT THE OUTPATIENT OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC OF A TERTIARY HEALTH FACILITY, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract: Background and objectives: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), the primary retinal vascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is a leading cause of visual impairments and blindness. The risk factors for DR include poor glycaemic control, longer duration of illness and comorbid hypertension, These factors are common in our diabetic populations but the burden of DR is largely unknown. This study, therefore, set out to bridge this gap in knowledge. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross- sectional study in which persons living with diabetes mellitus (PLWD) presenting with eye complaints to the Ophthalmology Clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba for evaluation and treatment were consecutively recruited into the study. This study lasted from June 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. Relevant data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 134 diabetic patients; 65 (48.5%) males and 69 (51.5%) females, were screened for DR among which 10.4% were found to have varying degrees of DR including diabetic macular oedema which was quite common. The mean random blood glucose of the study population was 213.31 SD 81.8mg/dl. Systemic hypertension was the commonest co morbid condition seen in 65.7% of the participants. Conclusion: DR is common among PLWD in the city of Aba. It is recommended that PLWD should have their blood glucose levels and the other co-morbidities such as systemic hypertension and lipid abnormalities under control to slow down the progression of DR.