Dr. Disha Rane, Dr. Sonika Porwal, Dr. Mary Joseph, Dr.Suneetha N Lobo, Dr. Liya Susan Peter
Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of blindness in the working-age group; can be minimized by this knowledge among the patients. To assess knowledge of diabetic eye disease among patients with DM in a tertiary hospital.A peer validated questionnaire survey conducted among DMpatients from Jan – April 2016.
The data was analysed using SPSS.Of 153 patients studied a significant correlation was seen between awareness of DR & duration of DM(t=5.38p<0.0001); higher education(p=0.04),better occupation(0.006).Only 20.9% subjects were aware of blindness due to DM. 38.6% had a regular eye checkup with 92.2% of them with ophthalmologist.More severe the retinopathy, more awareness of DR(p=0.01).
The results suggest that better literacy & occupation had higher awareness, but only less than 40% knew about the importance of screening.So in addition to regular follow ups for blood sugar control ,we need to educate public regarding effects of DM on end organs & need for regular eye screening.