Assessment of Awareness Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy among Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Tertiary Care Center

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness globally. Early detection and timely management are crucial to prevent vision loss. The study was conducted during a six-month period from October 2023 to March 2024 and it evaluates the awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients visiting Government general hospital, Guntur. We have done interviews to evaluate knowledge level and attitude of patient’s towards eye care. A total of 200 patients were included of which 94 were males and 106 females. 79% of the participants were unaware of visual complications of diabetes. 78.5% of patients believed adequate glycemic control could prevent any diabetes related visual complications and only 12% were aware of the treatment options available for diabetic retinopathy. The results indicated a significant proportion of patients lacked sufficient knowledge about the risks, symptoms, and preventive measures of diabetic retinopathy. This highlights the need for targeted educational programs and improved screening protocols to enhance early detection and appropriate management of diabetic retinopathy, thus reducing the burden of visual impairment among diabetics.