Patients' attitudes towards mydriasis for diabetic eye disease screening

The purpose of the questionnaire was to explore attitudes of patients towards mydriasis for diabetic retinopathy screening.

Two groups of patients were invited to take part: group 1 comprised patients attending the diabetic clinic and had previous experience of mydriasis, group 2 patients attending the mobile screening unit for non-mydriatic digital retinal photograph and who were not previously used to receiving mydriatic eye drops. Basic demographic data was recorded and the volunteers invited to complete a questionnaire.

292 patients were recruited into group 1 (median age 63 years range 20-94) and 103 into group 2 (median age 68 years range 29-96). 42% of patients in group 2 indicated that they were unhappy with the use of dilating eye drops and 26% of this group reported that they may be discouraged from attending screening for diabetic retinopathy if drops were introduced. These figures were statistically lower in group 1 at 8% and 1-8% respectively (p < 0.001). Blurring of vision was identified as the most troublesome feature of the use of mydriasis for patients. A large proportion of patients drove themselves to their last screening appointment; 58% in group 2 and 39% in group 1. A third of all patients (33%) indicated that they worked outside the home.

Many patients attending diabetic eye screening return to driving and work immediately after the appointment. Introduction of the use of routine drops may discourage attendance. Education and experience may have an important role in improving acceptability of mydriatic eye drops. Retinal screeners need to have clear guidelines with which to advise patients.