DIABETIC RETINOPATHY: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS EXPERIENCE OF THE OPHTHALMOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT THE MOULAY ISMAIL MILITARY HOSPITAL IN MEKNES (BASED ON 100 CASES)

Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the main ophthalmological complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness before age 60 in industrialized countries. Epidemiological data concerning DR remain poorly developed in Morocco. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical profiles of DR in diabetic patients followed in our department, and to identify factors associated with its occurrence and severity. Patients and methods: Prospective descriptive study conducted over 12 months (January-December 2025) in the ophthalmology department of Moulay Ismail Military Hospital in Meknes, including 100 diabetic patients (type 1 and 2). Each patient underwent a standardized interview, laboratory workup, complete ophthalmological examination, fundus examination, and OCT. DR was classified according to the DRS/ETDRS classification. Results: The mean age was 55 years (25-82 years), with female predominance (57%). The overall prevalence of DR was 57%, dominated by proliferative forms (33%). Diabetic macular edema was present in 48% of patients. The prevalence of DR increased significantly with age, duration of diabetes (87.5% beyond 15 years), presence of arterial hypertension (>80%), and diabetic nephropathy (77.7%). Panretinal laser photocoagulation was performed in 31% of patients ; no surgery was necessary. Conclusion: DR is a frequent and serious complication in our population, justifying early and systematic ophthalmological screening in every diabetic patient, particularly in the presence of identified risk factors. National multicenter studies are necessary to better assess the scale of this pathology in Morocco.