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Assessment of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics: A Clinical Survey

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Original Article

Author Details : Anupama C Shetgar, Brijesh Patil, Mallikarjun C Salagar, Nanditha A M

Volume : 1, Issue : 4, Year : 2015

Article Page : 260-263

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Abstract

Aim: To assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus during their first visit to an ophthalmologist in a medical college hospital in Bagalkot, North Karnataka.
Methods: A questionnaire regarding the awareness and knowledge about diabetic retinopathy was given to 150 patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing first time eye examination. This was followed by a detailed ocular examination with complete fundus examination by an ophthalmologist to look for the presence of diabetic retinopathy.
Results: Of the 150, 80 males and 70 female patients only 68 (45.3%) [57.5% males and 31.4% females] had awareness about diabetic retinopathy and of them only 38 (25.3%) [26.2% males and 24.2% females] had knowledge regarding the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy, the importance of regular ophthalmic examination and available treatment options. Of the 150, 36 (24%) patients had diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusion: The data obtained from the study clearly suggests that there is an immediate necessity for health education in the study population to increase the awareness and knowledge about diabetic retinopathy. An increased awareness in the community about diabetic retinopathy will lead to an increase in the understanding of the disease process and the importance of regular eye examination for the early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. This will thereby increase the case detection and thus lower the burden of sight threatening complications of diabetic retinopathy.

Key Words: Awareness, Diabetic retinopathy

How to cite : Shetgar A C, Patil B, Salagar M C, Nanditha A M, Assessment of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics: A Clinical Survey. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015;1(4):260-263

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