INCIDENTAL DIAGNOSES OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH REFRACTIVE ERRORS: IS MYOPIA OR HYPEROPIA MORE COMMON?

Abstract: Background: Diabetes causes high blood sugar due to insufficient or ineffective insulin, impacting various organs, including the eyes. Objectives: To assess refractive changes in diabetic patients at the COOUTH eye clinic from February 2022 to January 2025. Methodology: This descriptive study involved patients with visual problems who were incidentally found to have diabetes mellitus at COOUTH Awka Eye clinic. Visual acuity, blood sugar levels, refraction tests, and fundoscopy were conducted. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Results: Of 49 patients, 31 (63.3%) were male and 18 (36.7%) female, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.7:1. Among these, 35 (71.4%) had myopia and 14 (28.6%) had hyperopia. Ages ranged from 11 to 75 years. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus significantly causes sudden bilateral visual blurring, predominantly resulting in myopia due to changes in blood sugar levels. The lens is primarily affected by refractive changes. Restoring normal blood sugar levels is crucial. More males than females were impacted. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, refraction, blurred vision, Incidental finding. Title: INCIDENTAL DIAGNOSES OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS PRESENTING WITH REFRACTIVE ERRORS: IS MYOPIA OR HYPEROPIA MORE COMMON? Author: Anthonia Chinyelu Udeaja, Bernard Chukwunonyerem Ochiogu, Amaechi Chinedu Nwachukwu International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 13, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025 Page No: 222-226 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 15-June-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15668832 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/incidental-diagnoses-of-diabetes-mellitus-in-patients-presenting-with-refractive-errors-is-myopia-or-hyperopia-more-common