Visual disabilities among diabetics in Oman

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Diabetology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus is a growing public health concern globally and in Oman.
• Diabetic eye disease is a major cause of preventable visual impairment and blindness.
• Limited data exists on the prevalence and determinants of visual impairment among Omani diabetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the magnitude and determinants of visual impairment, bilateral blindness, and low vision among diabetics in Oman.
• To assess the additional risk of visual impairment in the diabetic population compared to the general Omani population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 2,520 randomly selected diabetic patients was conducted in 2002 across 10 regions of Oman.
• Data on vision and ocular/systemic manifestations of diabetes were collected by ophthalmologists and physicians.
• Prevalence rates of visual impairment, blindness, and low vision were calculated and compared to the general population.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of visual impairment among Omani diabetics was 28.4%, higher in females (34.6%) than males (21.2%).
• Prevalence increased with age.
• Rates of bilateral blindness (0.7%), legal blindness (9.8%), and low vision (27.7%) were significant.

Conclusions:

• Diabetics in Oman have a 25-fold increased risk of visual impairment compared to the general population.
• Prioritizing eye care within national health programs for diabetics is crucial.
• Further investigation into predictors of visual disabilities is recommended to inform prevention strategies.