A CLINICAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS, AND VISUAL OUTCOMES OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of avoidable visual impairment among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in resource-limited settings. This hospital-based cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of DR, associated risk factors, and visual outcomes among 274 T2DM patients aged 30 years and above. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, and DR was graded using standard clinical classification criteria. The overall prevalence of DR was 38.3%, comprising 24.6% non-proliferative DR and 13.7% proliferative DR. Clinically significant macular edema was present in 11.2% of patients. A duration of diabetes exceeding 10 years (OR 3.8, p < 0.001), poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8%; OR 3.2, p = 0.002), and coexisting hypertension (OR 2.5, p = 0.01) were identified as independent predictors of DR. Visual impairment (best-corrected visual acuity < 6/18) was significantly associated with proliferative DR and macular edema (p < 0.001). These findings indicate a substantial burden of DR and emphasize the importance of early screening and optimal metabolic control to prevent vision loss.