Alp De Silva Seneviratne, Kodikara R, Wickramanayake J M.
Ocular problems in type 2 diabetic patients attending family practices in Sri Lanka.
Med Today Jan ;2(2):38-40.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of ocular complications, ascertain the importance of screening and the scope for intervention on the basis of their activities of daily living (ADL). Design, Setting and Methods: Regular diabetics attending an urban Family practice and University Family practice from September 2002 to October 2003 were referred to a consultant eye surgeon. A referral letter included the patient`s name, age, sex, duration of diabetes and recent fasting plasma glucose. A feed back form to be filled by the consultant was attached. This included information on the visual problems/complications detected by the consultant. These were the refractory errors, cataract, glaucoma and retinopathy. The management options were included, depending on their complications and on activities of daily living. Results: A 113 diabetic patients were screened. Mean age was 60.4 years with a standard deviation of 11. Mean duration of diabetes was 6.2 years with a SD of 5.0. 73.4% patients had previously undetected refractory errors, 48.6% had cataract, 13.2% had retinopathy and 9.7% glaucoma. 66.2% and 32.7% patients with refractory errors and cataract respectively, had to be treated, to improve the vision due to effects on their ADL. Conclusions: Ocular problems account for significant visual handicap among diabetics attending family practice clinics. Undetected and untreated refractory errors and cataract will affect patients` daily activities and functional ability. Untreated retinopathy and glaucoma are commonly associated with blindness. Diabetic patients in family practice need routine referral to an eye surgeon for ophthalmic assessment.

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