Knowledge of diabetic patients regarding eye complications related to diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting many people worldwide. It causes degenerative changes that result in many complications including eye diseases that may lead to blindness. However, these eye conditions could be prevented or minimized through regular eye examinations, correct treatment and self management if clients are made aware of these complications and taught how to manage themselves. Health professionals, therefore, have a major responsibility to assist patients to acquire essential knowledge and skills towards prevention of eye problems and self care. The study was conducted in the clinics under Thulamela Municipality. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of diabetes mellitus patients regarding eye complications related to diabetes. The quantitative cross-sectional design was used. Data collection was through a self administered questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of 156 diabetes patients and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study indicated that diabetes mellitus patients have inadequate knowledge about their disease and its effect on the eyes. Although many of them were experiencing eye problems they associated their eye problems with normal ageing changes.Key words: Diabetes mellitus, patients, knowledge, eye complications