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Visual functions and disability in diabetic retinopathy patients
Gauri Shankar Shrestha1, Raju Kaiti2
1B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Journal of Optometry
|March 21, 2014
Summary
Visual impairments in diabetic retinopathy patients significantly correlate with daily living difficulties. Near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and peripheral vision are key indicators of visual disability.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss.
- Understanding the impact of visual function deficits on daily life is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between specific visual functions and the degree of visual disability experienced by individuals with diabetic retinopathy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 38 visually impaired diabetic retinopathy patients.
- Assessment included visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual fields.
- Visual disabilities were evaluated using a questionnaire, with multiple regression analysis applied.
Main Results:
- Visual disability scores were highest for reading letters and sentences.
- Near visual acuity and peripheral visual field significantly correlated with legibility disabilities.
- Contrast sensitivity was also strongly associated with overall visual disability index and total scores.
Conclusions:
- Impaired near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and peripheral visual field are significantly linked to various visual disabilities in diabetic retinopathy.
- These functional tests are essential components of comprehensive visual assessments for diabetic patients.
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