PRESENTATION OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the presentation of diabetic retinopathy in diabetic patients presenting to Ophthalmology out patient.Material and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar over a period of 1 year from January 1999 to December 1999. A total of hundred cases were evaluated. A thorough and complete history was followed by careful Ophthalmological examination. Systemic evaluation for diabetic complications was also carried out.Results: Male to female ratio in our study was 1.4: 1. Ninety one (91%) were cases of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and only 9% cases were of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) was found in 28.6% of NIDDM cases and 22.2% of IDDM cases. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) was found in 9.8% of NIDDM cases and 11 % of IDDM cases. Diabetic maculopathy was found in 15.4% of NIDDM whereas it was present in 33,3% of IDDM cases.Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy is common sequalae of diabetes. Its presence and complications are strongly related to duration and control of diabetes. Diabetic maculopathy is commonest cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients.