Clinical Assessment of Macular Involvement and Its Correlation to the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Uncomplicated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

ABSTRACT

India has roughly 50% of the world’s burden of diabetes and is expected to double by the year 2025. Macular oedema is the leading cause of central vision loss among the diabetic population. Our aim was to detect the presence of macular oedema in type 2 diabetic patients and correlate it to the type and severity of diabetic retinopathy.METHODSThis was a cross-sectional study done on two hundred patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus fulfilling our inclusion criteria. After entering patients’ details, complete history including duration and treatment of diabetes, detailed clinical slit lamp examination, with biomicroscopy/IDO was done and the fundus findings were documented using the fundus camera, and retinopathy was graded according to the ETRS Classification system. Patients' glucose level, HbA1c, cholesterol, urea and creatinine values were collected. BMI was calculated from their height and weight. Macular findings were documented and correlated to the patient variables and also to the severity of diabetic retinopathy and analysed using the Chi-square test.RESULTSOut of 200 patients, 128 were male and 72 were female. Our incidence of CSME was 14% and was more prevalent in patients with Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and they all showed statistically significant reduction in their visual acuity. BMI, cholesterol, duration of diabetes, HbA1c and insulin therapy didn’t show any significant correlation to the occurrence of CSME.CONCLUSIONSPeriodic fundus evaluation to detect macular oedema associated with retinopathy is mandatory for diabetic patients. Proper diagnosis and early intervention will help in reducing central vision loss in diabetic patients.