Vol. 1 Issue 1 Part A

Author(s): Venkateswar Ravisankar and Rajyeshwanth

Abstract:
Background and Objective:

Diabetes mellitus is a systemic metabolic disorder associated with significant microvascular complications, including various ocular manifestations that can lead to vision impairment or blindness. Early detection of ocular involvement in diabetic patients is essential for timely intervention and preservation of vision. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spectrum and prevalence of ocular manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus and to correlate these findings with the type and duration of diabetes.
Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who attended the ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital at the Department of Ophthalmology, RVS Institute of Medical Sciences, Kumaran Kottam Campus, Kannampalayam, Trichy Main Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, from March 2018 to February 2019. All patients underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including detailed medical history, visual acuity testing, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure measurement, dilated fundus examination using both direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, and fundus photography when indicated.
Results:

Of the 50 diabetic patients included in the study, 30 (60%) were male and 20 (40%) were female. Type 2 diabetes was more prevalent (66%) compared to Type 1 diabetes (34%). The most common ocular manifestation observed was diabetic retinopathy (DR), found in 28 patients (56%). Among these, 20 patients (40%) had Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (NPDR), while 8 (16%) had Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR). A strong correlation was noted between the duration of diabetes and the severity of DR. Patients with a diabetes duration of more than 10 years showed a significantly higher prevalence of PDR and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:

Ocular complications are common in diabetic patients, with diabetic retinopathy being the most frequent sight-threatening condition. Regular ophthalmologic evaluation, particularly in patients with longer duration of diabetes, is essential for early diagnosis and prevention of visual morbidity. This study highlights the importance of integrating routine diabetic eye screening into standard diabetes care protocols.

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