Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in individuals aged 40– 80 years in relation to varying Diabetes

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in individuals aged 40– 80 years in relation to varying diabetes duration presented in ophthalmology out-patient department at Allied Hospitals. Study design: It was a Descriptive hospital based study. Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Department of Ophthalmology, Eye OPD, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi from April 2023 to September 2023. Material and Methods: The study comprised 100 diabetic retinopathy patients who visited the eye outpatient department of Allied Hospitals in Rawalpindi. In order to establish the phases, severity, and macula involvement of diabetic retinopathy, patients underwent a variety of diagnostic procedures. A thorough fundus examination with a slit lamp, an ophthalmoscope, a non-mydriatic fundus camera, and fundus angiography are some of these diagnostic techniques. Results: Certain characteristics, such as gender, unilateral or bilateral involvement, different diagnostic procedures, the existence of maculopathy, and the types of DR—background, pre-proliferative, proliferative, diabetic maculopathy, and advanced stage—are used to draw conclusions. The research was conducted on a sample size of around 100 patients presented in ophthalmology outpatient department of the allied hospitals. Out of the total sample size, 60% of the patients presented were males and 40% were females. The majority of the timed is bilateral and accompanied by maculopathy. For a thorough diagnosis, fundus angiography is necessary for the majority of patients. It is possible to diagnose DR using a slit lamp alone, but since some symptoms are better seen on fundus photos, it is crucial that the patient be subjected to all diagnostic criteria for a thorough diagnosis. Conclusion: As demonstrated by this study, diabetic retinopathy is a condition that can cause blindness and should be appropriately recognized in order to enable treatment. For the purpose early diagnosis is crucial.