FREQUENCY OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN QUETTA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the frequency of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in a tertiary care facility in Quetta, Balochistan.

Study design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Bolan Medical College / Hospital, Quetta, within six months after the synopsis approval.

Methodology: 155 patients of 25 to 65 years old who are diagnosed with T2DM (duration) were considered. Non-probability consecutive sampling was used for period of six months. Patients who had ocular trauma, or had undergone ocular surgery before, or who had a glaucoma, hypertension, or severe cataracts were not included. Extensive fundoscopies were conducted by consultant ophthalmologist following the pupil dilating using 1% tropicamide. According to the classification by Davis, DR was divided into Non-Proliferative (NPDR) and Proliferative (PDR) stages. The SPSS version 25.0 was used in data analysis.

Results: According to the epidemiological trends in different regions, the anticipated rate of DR among this cohort is 22.0%-30.0%. NPDR is the one that will likely dominate (~78% of DR cases), and PDR is likely to be observed in 22. There is a positive correlation that will indicate a strong correlation with the duration of diabetes and prevalence of DR that will increase with progress in the time of the disease as 19% when the disease is less than 5 years and 90% when the disease is above 20 years.

Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy is an important microvascular complication in Quetta region and it is highly correlated with the duration of diabetes. Early intervention and systematic screening play the key role in the prevention of the burden of preventable blindness.