Developing a screening program to detect sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in South India

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetology
• Public Health

Background:

• Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness globally.
• Early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy are critical to prevent vision loss.
• South India presents a high-risk population for diabetic retinopathy due to the prevalence of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a practical screening protocol for identifying sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.
• To assess the feasibility of using indirect ophthalmoscopy for retinopathy screening in resource-limited settings.
• To evaluate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in a high-risk population in South India.

Main Methods:

• Ophthalmic examinations, including posterior segment assessment, were conducted.
• Indirect ophthalmoscopy was utilized for detecting sight-threatening retinopathy.
• Screening was performed in camps targeting individuals with diabetes.

Main Results:

• 3,949 individuals with diabetes were screened over 13 months.
• One-fifth of screened individuals showed evidence of retinopathy.
• Only 6.1% had prior treatment for retinopathy, and only 25% of those with worse than mild retinopathy attended follow-up within 2 months.

Conclusions:

• Indirect ophthalmoscopy offers a viable short-term screening solution for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in India.
• Strategies to enhance screening coverage and improve patient follow-up are essential.
• The findings highlight the need for accessible and affordable screening and management of diabetic eye disease.