The clinical characteristics of Asian and Caucasian patients on Bradford’s Low Vision Register

Abstract

Aim To analyse the clinical characteristics of patients on the Bradford Low Vision Register with regards to the type (partially sighted or blind), sex, race, causes and age at registration. Methods All the data were obtained from the Morley Street Resource Centre, which keeps records of all registrations in the Bradford Metropolitan District. Information including postcode, date of birth, age, gender, ethnic group, degree, date of registration, cause of registration and age at registration were entered into a database. Results Of all registrations, 64% were blind and 36% were partially sighted. Asians were younger at registration and there were a significantly lower number of females compared to Caucasians. When data were analysed for the different age groups, in the older group of over 65 years, Asians showed significantly more diabetic retinopathy (26.1%) compared to Asians (7.8%), while Caucasians demonstrated significantly more glaucoma (C: 29.3%; A: 17.4%). In the younger age group (Ͻ30 years), the leading causes for Asians were retinitis pigmentosa and nystagmus while for Caucasians it was congenital cataracts and optic atrophy. The proportion of Asians registered was significantly lower than expected from the projected population estimates in Bradford. Conclusions The study indicates significant differences in the clinical profiles of the two racial groups. The data do not follow the predictions from published population estimates, with Asians, especially females, being under-represented in the register.

The incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in Leeds

“…In Bradford, the South Asian community had an incidence of diabetic retinopathy related blindness almost four times that of the Caucasian community. 19 To date, there is little good evidence to suggest that a formal screening programme does reduce the incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy. Failed laser treatment and poor patient attendance accounted for much of the visual impairment in diabetics who had been screened, suggesting that the screening exercise itself may have little impact on future visual impairment.…”

“…This in turn is dependent on demographic factors such as age and ethnic distribution in the community. [17][18][19][20] It is well documented that the ethnic distribution is especially important as the prevalence of DM in middle-aged Asians is five times that of a European population. 21 The ethnic distribution in Leeds is very similar to England and Wales; however, within the UK there is a large inter-regional variation.…”

Impact of age and duration on sight–threatening retinopathy in South Asians and Caucasians attending a diabetic clinic

“…Another study, also carried out in Bradford, reported that a significantly higher proportion of lowvision registrations in South Asians were due to diabetic retinopathy compared to Caucasians. 19 The aim of the present study is to investigate more fully the severity of diabetic retinopathy in a sample of South Asian diabetic patients attending a diabetic clinic in Bradford, and to compare them with a similar sample of Caucasian patients from the same area. Clinical features, such as age, duration, etc, were also examined.…”

Generalized Vascular Damage Including Glomerular Dysfunction in Newly-Detected Type 2 Diabetic Patients

“…This DR was observed in considerable prevalence and this was more or less equivalent to what has been found among another Asian population (26.1%) (63). The presence of DR is alarming as it was estimated to be the most frequent cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged 20-74 years.…”