Refractive corrections of patients with retinopatia diabetica

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among adults with diabetes mellitus. The pathological changes in the retinal vasculature, including microaneurysms, hemorrhages, exudates, and neovascularization, compromise retinal integrity and visual function. In addition to retinal lesions, patients with DR often experience refractive instability, manifesting as fluctuations in visual acuity and shifts in refractive error. Accurate refractive correction in this population is essential but challenging, as it requires consideration of both ocular structural changes and systemic metabolic control. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of refractive errors and the effectiveness of optical correction in patients with various stages of diabetic retinopathy, with the goal of optimizing visual rehabilitation. A prospective clinical study was conducted on 330 patients (n = 660 eyes) diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Department in the “Ferid Murad” Hospital Gostivar , over a period of 7 months. Patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity testing (Snellen chart), objective refraction using autorefractometry, subjective refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and dilated fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy. The stage of diabetic retinopathy was graded based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification. Refractive correction was prescribed based on stable refractive values confirmed on at least two separate visits, spaced one week apart, to account for glycemic fluctuations.