Epidemiology of Diabetic Retinopathy in Egypt: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and determinants of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients ≧18 years at the Cairo University and Sixth of October University hospitals. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey among known diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics. Patients were randomly selected to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a medical assessment. All patients had a dilated fundus examination for evidence of DR using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Results: A sample of 1,325 patients was selected with a mean age of 49 years (SD ±12.9). DR was found in 20.5% of patients. Most patients (82%) were not aware of the hazards of diabetes mellitus for the eyes. The prevalence of DR was statistically significantly higher in females (22 vs.17%, p < 0.05), with longer diabetes disease duration (p < 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001) and absence of hypertension control (p < 0.001), especially proliferative DR. Increasing age and poor glycemic control were associated with a nonsignificant increase in the rate of DR (p = 0.340 and p = 0.444, respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of DR in our study population is 20.5%. Regular screening is highly recommended for early detection of DR where timely laser photocoagulation is known to reduce the risk of visual loss in these patients.

Short wavelength automated perimetry can detect visual field changes in diabetic patients without retinopathy

“…Among younger-onset patients with diabetes in the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of DR, the prevalence of any retinopathy was 8% at 3 years, 25% at 5 years, 60% at 10 years and 80% at 15 years respectively. [1] Our findings are consistent with Macky et al .,[18] reported that the prevalence of DR was statistically significantly higher with longer diabetes disease duration ( P < 0.001). Hohenstein et al .…”

“…Moreover, female preponderance was evident which is consistent with Macky et al . ;[18] who found that the prevalence of DR was statistically significantly higher in females (22 vs. 17%, P < 0.05).…”

“…[19] found that good blood sugar control does reduce the risk of DR as well as does reduce the progression of retinopathy. [18] The diabetes control and complications trial,[20] diabetic retinopathy study (DRS) and ETDRS[20] also support that good glycogenic control is important in the early stage of diabetes and helps in delaying the onset of retinopathy and halting the rate of progression.…”

Sociodemographic factors responsible for blindness in diabetic Egyptian patients

“…Herman et al3 found that diabetic retinopathy accounted for about 42% of diabetic patients in Egypt; however, the study done by Macky et al4 found the incidence to be 20.5%. This improvement could be attributed to early detection of diabetic patients, with better medical care 3,4.…”

“…This improvement could be attributed to early detection of diabetic patients, with better medical care 3,4. The duration of diabetes remains the most significant predictor of visual impairment among people with type II diabetes.…”