Letter to the Editor

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is of the sight threatening ocular diseases having public health implications in India because an estimated 57 million people in India may be diabetic by 2025. This study highlights the prevalence of DR in type 2 diabetics among a small population in Chennai in relation to various risk factors. Method The cross sectional study was done on 203 patients, as a part of the monthly screening camp conducted by “Sankara Nethralaya , Chennai”, for the patients of Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. A detailed history including risk factors like age ,sex , duration of diabetes , smoking ,alcohol ,Ischaemic heart disease(IHD), Oral Hypoglycaemic Drugs(OHA) , Insulin was taken followed by measurement of blood pressure and examination of Eye including Visual acuity , Intraocular pressure , Anterior chamber examination and Optic Fundoscopy .Statistical analysis was done by SPSS using Binary logistics Regression method. ResultsOf the 203 patients, 146(71.9%) were females.136 (67%) people had awareness about DR. The prevalence rate of DR is 13.8% (28) in which Moderate NPDR had the maximum incidence with 5.9%. Prevalence is more in the 5th - 6th decades of life with 5.9% having DR. DR increases with the duration of diabetes. Men were at a slightly higher risk (14% males v/s 13.6% females) though not statistically significant. There was no increased risk among hypertensives, IHD patients, smokers, alcoholics and no significant relationship with treatment history. Conclusion Though the awareness about the disease of 67% is encouraging, incidence rate of 13.8% of diabetic retinopathy in a small population is alarming. Higher number of woman in the study could have influenced the results. This triggers the need for studies with higher sample size to assess various risk factors and mass screening programs. Word count: 287 Key Words Diabetic Retinopathy, prevalence, risk factors