Prevalence and Risk Factor for Diabetic Retinopathy in Prachuabkirikan Hospital

Pittaya Pamonvaechavan, M.D.
Ubonrat Patanonta, M.D.
*Department of Ophthalmology, Prachuabkirikan Hospital , Prachuabkirikan, Thailand

ABSTRACT : To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in NIDDM living in Prachuabkirikan province, a clinical-based study was performed on 331 NIDDM patients randomly enrolled among DM clinic in Prachuabkirikan hospital from October 2002 to September 2003. Diabetic retinopathy was present in 27.5%, which were nonproliferative DR 18.7% and proliferative DR 8.8%. Duration of diabetes, blood glucose level and mode of diabetes therapy were significantly associated with and increased risk of retinopathy. Several other factors, including age, gender, HT, heart disease, smoking, had no significant association with diabetic retinopathy.
Regular screenting, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and more intensive management of modifiable risk factors could reduce vision-threatening in diabetic retinopathy cases.

Thai J Ophthalmol 2004 ; January-March 18(1) : 77-85.

Key words : Diabetic retinopathy (DR), duration