Prevalence and risk factors for Diabetic Retinopathy in a tertiary institution in South Eastern Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) in subjects attending a tertiary health center in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was carried out during a three-day screening exercise among 147 diabetic patients at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, a referral center in Enugu, Nigeria. A total of 147 patients with diabetes were recruited, and underwent direct fundoscopy as well as slit lamp examination for Diabetes Mellitus (DM)-induced ocular abnormalities. Socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric indices were also obtained from each subject. The prevalence of DR was 18.7% in this study. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%) was positively associated with the prevalence of DR. There was, however, no significant association between DR and known risk factors, including prolonged duration of DM, hypertension, Body Mass Index (BMI) and central obesity, fruit intake, alcohol use, and smoking. DR, a serious microvascular complication of DM, is present in a significant number of diabetic subjects. Primary prevention, by optimal glycemic control, is highly recommended to prevent largely irreversible retinal damage and visual loss.