RESUMO
Background: Diabetic retinopathy is a serious complication of DM, it occurs due to poor control of DM and lack of knowledge on the complications of DM. Among many approaches, strong awareness of retinopathy by diabetic patients could help in the early detection, management and prevention of this complication. Aim: this study was conducted to assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetics in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested questionnaire. All diabetic patients seen at the diabetes clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital were recruited. Questionnaire was distributed on all participants. The questionnaire contained questions to determine awareness of retinopathy and its risk factors. Data obtained was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: A total of 357 diabetic patients were involved with a mean age of 50 years. 61% of patients were aware of DR. Only 38% were aware that annual retinal examinations are required and 70% were not aware what the treatment for DR is. And only 50% of all the respondents went for eye checkups. Conclusion: Although a large proportion of diabetics in Saudi Arabia are aware that diabetes can affect their eyes, there is however little or no knowledge of its risk factors and prevention. There is therefore a need for increasing this awareness in order to decrease the number of cases of blindness resulting from DR in Saudi Arabia.