[Diabetic retinopathy in Lubumbashi]

To evaluate the frequency of diabetic retinopathy in Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo).

Descriptive survey including 369 diabetic patients examined in our department of Ophthalmology of Lubumbashi from May 2006 to March 2008. Rates of glycaemia and blood pressure were noted. All the patients had a complete ophthalmological examination including visual acuity measurement, anterior biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure and fundus examination after pupil dilation.

At the time of ocular examination, the mean age of diabetic patients was 57 years (range 16 to 85) with a sex ratio of 1.2 males for 1 female. The frequency of type 1 diabetic patients was 28% and of type 2, 72%. High blood pressure was found in 42% of the patients. The frequency of diabetic patients (all forms included) was 13% and diabetes-induced blindness was 0.27%. In our study, the frequency of diabetic retinopathy increased with the patient's age and the duration of the diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy was more frequently found in adults. We did not find correlation between the level of glycaemia and the incidence of diabetic retinopathy.

From our epidemiological study, diabetic retinopathy is a concern for adult public health. It requires organized screening and early treatment to prevent blindness of those diabetic patients.