Asma Kamal, Asifa Kamal, Asma Nazir And Saleema Qaisera.
Assessment of awareness regarding Diabetic Retinopathy among patients visiting diabetic clinic Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore.
Esculapio J Services Inst Med Sci Jan ;3(4):10-3.

Background: The worldwide prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has risen dramatically. Diabetics are 25 times more likely to become blind than non-diabetics due to Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). The DR can either be treated or at least delayed by diagnosis at an early stage which is possible by regular ophthalmoscopic examination. Hyperglycemia is the major pathogenetic factor for DR. Studies show reduction in rate of progression of DR by good glycaemic control and treatment can be offered at an early stage of DR. These goals require awareness of diabetics about complications of DM especially diabetic retinopathy. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried on 250 patients who presented in diabetic clinic at Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH), Lahore. Ophthalmoscopy was done on dilated pupils of all diabetic patients. Awareness was assessed by questionnaire. Results: Out of 250 diabetic patients, 72 (28.8%) had DR. The stage of DR advanced with increased BSL and duration of DM. Only 20% of patients were aware of DR while only 3.2% had awareness about regular ophthalmoscopic examination; none came for follow-up. Conclusion: Diabetic retinopathy could be prevented or delayed by good glycaemic control and Laser therapy, if detected early by regular ophthamolscopic examination. For this it is vital to increase the awareness about the complications of DM specially DR by educating the patients through the health care professionals and public seminars.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com