[Screening for diabetic retinopathy by non-mydriatic retinal camera in the region of Fez]

The goal of our study was to determine the benefits of screening by non-mydriatic retinal camera in the Fez region and to present the results of this screening.

We report a prospective study of 430 diabetic patients, or 860 eyes, compiled between December 2012 and June 2013 in the Dokkarat health center, "integrated referral center for management of diabetes and hypertension" in the region of Fez. All patients underwent an examination by non-mydriatic fundus camera, obtaining two digital images per eye. The photos are taken by a nurse and a general practitioner. Interpretation of the images was performed in the ophthalmology department of the Hassan II University Medical Center of Fez.

A total of 430 patients were screened (78.4% female, 21.6% male). The mean age was 54.7 years (range, 10-80 years). The average duration of diabetes was 7.7 years (±5.9). Most patients had type 2 diabetes (94%). Insulin therapy was found in 35.3%. The mean HbA1c (obtained from 421 patients) was 8.21%. 38,8% of patients had never consulted an ophthalmologist before. The fundus photographs were not interpretable for at least one eye in 75 cases (17.4%). Among the interpretable images, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was 44.6%. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy was present in at least one eye in 2.5% and diabetic maculopathy in 32 cases (9%). After screening, 69% of patients with DR were seen by the ophthalmologist.

These data confirm the benefits of screening by non-mydriatic retinal camera, because it helps reintegrate patients into the healthcare system and thus provides a real benefit in terms of public health and prevention of complications.