Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of eye pathology detected during diabetic screening eye examinations. Methods: After obtaining IRB approval 175 consecutive patient’s charts were retrospectively studied that were referred to the Dallas VA Ophthalmology Clinic for diabetes screening examination. Two patients were excluded after further chart review demonstrated that the patient did not meet the current criteria for the diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. The mean age was 63, 115 (66.5%) were white, 41(23.6%) were African American and 17 (9.8) were Hispanic. The vast majority, were male 163 (94.2%) and all of the patients had type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Results: The majority of the patients had no diabetic retinopathy 127 (73.4)at the time of examination. Of the remaining, 29 (16.8%) had mild NPDR, 4 (2.3%) had moderate NPDR, 2 (1.2%) had severe NPDR and 3 (1.7) had proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In addition, 3 (1.7%) patients had CSME. At the time of examination 76 (43.9%) patients had lenticular opacities, with 23 (13.3%) of the patients with 20/40 of worse vision in the affected eye without any other attributable cause for decreased visual acuity. Fifteen (8.7%) patients were labeled as glaucoma suspects with IOP greater than 22 or a cup to disc ratio of 0.6 or greater. Ocular adnexa and external disease pathology was diagnosed in 17 (9.8%) patients. Retinal pathology besides diabetic retinopathy was found in 21 (12.1%) patients. Neuro–ophthalmic problems were found in 7 (4.0%) patients. Immediate treatment was required in 5 (2.9%) patients for PDR, rubiosis, and wet AMD. Conclusions:A significant number of patients had additional eye pathology besides diabetic retinopathy that required treatment and additional eye examinations. Early recognition of ocular conditions may prevent future vision impairment and strongly support screening eye examinations in persons with Diabetes Mellitus.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • diabetes • detection