Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus in Abha, Saudi Arabia: A survey-based research study

Context: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an avoidable retinal disorder affecting the retina and is deemed the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Aims: This study aimed to estimate the awareness and attitude of type 2 diabetic patients toward DR. Methods and Materials: A study questionnaire was distributed among Saudi patients with type 2 DM who visited primary health care at Abha, Saudi Arabia, after obtaining an ethical approval. It was a modified questionnaire and included basic demographic characteristics of the patients, general knowledge and awareness of DM and DR, and their practices toward eye examination. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Chi-square and z-proportionality tests were applied where appropriate. Results: A total of 381 patients with DM responded to our survey; 36% of them had DM for five years or less. Notably, 93.5% of participants knew that diabetes can cause eye disease but only 63.3% agreed that regular eye examination for diabetic patients is necessary, with a significant difference of DM duration (p = 0.01). A total of 217 (57%) patients thought that there is no need to visit an ophthalmologist if diabetes is under control. However, 74.5% believed that patients with type 2 DM should go for an eye examination once diagnosed, with a significant difference between disease duration subgroups (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The current study demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding the effect of DM on the eye and importance of early eye assessment. However, we need to improve the patients' awareness to the value of regular eye checking and standard practices