DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases with an increasing incidence worldwide. This study aimed at determining the frequency and severity of diabetic retinopathy, in patients in a tertiary hospital. This is a cross-sectional study including 253 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) referred for examination at the eye clinic at university hospital centre "Mother Teresa" in Tirana over the period 2010-2013. Ophthalmologists assessed vision, ocular pressure, anterior and posterior segment and fundus oculi. The prevalence of ocular complications of DM and risk factors. The prevalence of RD was 55% (95% CI 49.6 to 60.1) of whom 33% in non-proliferative and 22% in stage proliferative stage. Diabetic macula was found in 17% of patients. The prevalence of blindness among patients was 4%. Prevalence of cataract and glaucoma were 14.3% and 2.6% respectively. The risk of retinopathy increased by 1.6 with each year increase of age (p < 0.01). Duration of DM> 10 years (p < 0.01) and hypertension (p< 0.01) were significant predictive factors for diabetic retinopathy. Regular screening in patients with diabetes for early detection of proliferative retinopathy and increasing public awareness are highly recommended.