Awareness of Periodic Ocular Screening in Diabetic Patients

The evaluation of awareness of DR among samples of diabetic mellitus, in Saveetha Medical College and hospital, Thandalam, Chennai was investigated. Observational study was conducted on Three hundred and thirty cases of diabetic mellitus, those who are attending ophthalmic OPD of Saveetha Medical College and hospital for first time after diagnosed to have diabetes. Diabetic patients who underwent ophthalmic study previously are excluded from the study. Study was conducted from January 2019 to March 2019. All the patients were interviewed and given a questionnaire to answer. The questionnaire included demographic profile of the individuals, type of diabetes, treatment method, and if they knew that diabetes could affect vision, and whether they were aware of the necessity of regular eye checkups. Details on awareness of DR, screening for DR, and last ophthalmological evaluation. Age groups were taken either below 35 years of age or above 50 years. In the study, 13 % percentage of individuals were below 35 and 87 % above 50.16 % percentage of individuals had a university level education, 27 % individuals had primary, 21 % had secondary, and 36 % individuals were illiterate.70 % percentage of patients knew that diabetes could associate with vision loss, 69 % percentage understood the importance of regular eye checkups.39 % percentage were aware of diabetic retinopathy and its treatment. Literacy and socio economic factors are important factors for the awareness of diabetic retinopathy.