Epidemiological Assessment of Ocular Disorders in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases and, due to its adverse effects on blood vessels and nerves, can lead to serious complications in various organs of the body, particularly the eyes. Ocular complications of diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma, all of which may severely impair vision. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of ocular diseases among diabetic patients attending Noor Hospital in Mazar-i-Sharif during the year 1404.
This cross-sectional study included 200 diabetic patients who were selected through simple random sampling. Demographic data, visual status, blood glucose levels, and HbA1c values were collected. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed using standard ophthalmic instruments. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that diabetic retinopathy was the most common ocular disorder, with a prevalence of 44%. Cataract was the second most common condition, affecting 32% of patients, followed by glaucoma in 16% of cases. Eight percent of the patients had no ocular abnormalities. Furthermore, the highest prevalence of ocular complications was observed in the 50–59-year age group, and the frequency of ocular diseases was approximately similar between male and female patients The findings of this study indicate that ocular complications are highly prevalent among diabetic patients and require timely diagnosis and intervention. Therefore, regular ophthalmic examinations, increased public awareness, and patient education regarding eye care may play an important role in reducing the occurrence and severity of these complications.