KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES RELATED TODIABETIC RETINOPATHY AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS ATTENDING MEDICINE OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT

Aim: To assess the knowledge and practices related to diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients attending medicine out patient department in tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district Design: hospital based cross sectional study Methods: study was conducted among 202 adult patients with diabetes between June 2021 to December 2021 , who attended medicine outpatient department in tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district. All patients were surveyed with a questionnaire regarding there Knowlegde and practices related to diabetic retinopathy. Statistical Analysis: SPSS software, CHI square test Results: A questionarre based responses was obtained from 202 patients diagnosed with diabetes .Age distribution of diabetes is predominantly high in 40 -60 years .75% of people are treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs .around 61% know that diabetes can cause eye disease .Regular eyecheck up is mandatory in diabetic patients was agreed by 52% patients.only 43% visit ophthalmologist for regular eye checkup in the contrary 83% visit physicians regularly for diabetic control. Conclusion: Our study emphasises the need for expanded educational programmes about DR, its risk factors, available treatments, and follow-up. In our study, the role of physicians was frighteningly minimal, which has to be emphasised.