Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Visual impairments secondary to diabetic retinopathy represent a major public health problem. Diabetes alone can increase the risk of blindness 25 times. Diabetic retinopathy occurs in approximately 7–29% of patients attending general medical practices. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is emerging globally as one of the main causes of avoidable blindness and a leading cause of blindness in low and middle income countries. Aim of the study: To assess visual acuity among diabetic patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology of the Medical institution. The study was conducted on eyes of 80 patients, 40 diabetic and 40 non-diabetic visiting the outpatient department. The Visual acuity scores for all the patients were recorded and were subject for analysis. The demographic data (age, sex) of the patients participating in the study were also recorded. Results: A total of 80 patients, 40 in Diabetic group and 40 in Non-Diabetic group participated in the study and completed their Visual acuity testing. We observed that maximum number of diabetic eyes have best corrected visual acuity 6/12. In contrast to this, maximum no. of non-diabetic eyes has best corrected visual acuity 6/9. These results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, it can be concluded that visual acuity is significantly compromised in diabetic patients as compared to non-diabetic patients. Keywords: diabetic patients, visual acuity, diabetic retinopathy.