Diabetic retinopathy prevalence in Mexico: Results from a primary public health access initiative for screening in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Objective

To estimate diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence in primary care scenarios in Mexico.

Materials and methods

We evaluated adult patients with type 2 diabetes with conventional care in primary care units. A mydriatic fundus examination was performed by an ophthalmologist with retinal photographs.

Results

Implementing a strategy for screening diabetic retinopathy in primary care settings in patients with type 2 diabetes in Mexico reported a prevalence of 33.6 %, comprising non-sight-threatening retinopathy at 24.2 %, and sight-threatening retinopathy at 9.4 %. The number needed to screen to detect DR obtained in the screened population was 3.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the need for DR screening strategies for its timely detection in primary care scenarios.