The magnitude and pattern of diabetic retinopathy in jimma university hospital, Jimma, Ethiopia

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence and pattern of diabetic retinopathy in Jimma University hospital, Jimma, Ethiopia. Design: A cross sectional hospital based study was carried out in Jimma University hospital. The study was conducted from February to March 2009. A total of 324 patients ranging from 13-80 years of age were identified using systematic sampling with a response rate of 89.3%. They underwent detailed eye examination for diabetic retinopathy. The blood pressure of all patients was measured, and fasting blood sugar was also determined for those without recent fasting blood sugar. Clinical grading of diabetic retinopathy was done by using the ETDRS guidelines. Results: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was found to be 41.4%. Severe NPDR was found in 7(2.2%) patients and CSME was found in 16(4.9%) patients and vision threatening diabetic retinopathy was found in 7.3% of patients. A statistically significant association was found between diabetic retinopathy and duration, FBS, and mean systemic blood pressure. Only 47(14.5%) subjects had an eye examination prior to this study. Among the study subjects only 43.2% had their fasting blood sugar below 7mmollL Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was high in this study, and very few subjects had eye examinations prior to this study. Majority of the subjects had poor blood sugar control which probably explains the high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. There is a need for a regular screening program in the eye unit and need of vitro-retinal facility especially laser services.