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Visual impairment certification due to diabetic retinopathy in North and Eastern Devon
Siying Lin1, Bhaskar Gupta2, Natalee James3
1Torbay Hospital, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torquay, UK.
Acta Ophthalmologica
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) caused certifications of visual impairment (CVI) comparable to other regions. Long-standing screening programs appear effective in preventing severe sight impairment from DR.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of preventable blindness.
- Effective diabetic screening programs are crucial for early detection and intervention.
- Understanding the incidence of visual impairment due to DR informs public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of certifications of visual impairment (CVI) specifically due to diabetic retinopathy (DR).
- To assess the impact of DR on visual impairment in a region with established diabetic screening since 1992.
- To compare DR-related CVIs with overall CVI data and analyze characteristics of affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of all CVIs attributed to DR.
- Utilized mid-year population estimates and a diabetes prevalence model.
- Calculated annual incidence of DR-related CVI from 2010-2013 and compared 2013 data to all CVIs.
Main Results:
- 75 CVIs were attributed to DR (52 sight impaired, 23 severely sight impaired).
- DR was a cause in 4.3% of all CVIs in 2013; incidence ranged from 30.8-77.4 per million population.
- Mean age was 65.5 years with 22 years of known diabetes; 25% type 1, 75% type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of CVI due to DR in this region is comparable to international reports.
- Results suggest the long-standing retinal screening program is effective.
- DR was a significant cause of blindness but did not lead to SSI certifications in the working-age population studied.
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