Visual field defects in diabetic children without retinopathy. Relation between visual function and microalbuminuria

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Diabetology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus can affect retinal function early.
• Clinically detectable diabetic retinopathy may be preceded by functional changes.
• Early detection of retinal impairment is crucial for managing diabetic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess computerized perimetry for early diagnosis of retinal sensitivity impairment in diabetic children.
• To evaluate retinal function in diabetic patients without fluorescein angiographic signs of retinopathy.
• To correlate microalbuminuria with visual field sensitivity changes.

Main Methods:

• Static computerized perimetry was used to investigate 70 diabetic children and adolescents (39 normoalbuminuric, 31 microalbuminuric) and 70 controls.
• Functional parameters of retinal sensitivity were measured.
• Patients were compared based on albuminuria status and to healthy subjects.

Main Results:

• Normoalbuminuric diabetic patients exhibited normal functional parameters, similar to controls.
• Microalbuminuric diabetic patients showed a significant reduction in mid-peripheral light sensitivity compared to both normoalbuminuric patients and controls.
• This impairment was observed in the absence of angiographic signs of diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusions:

• Impaired mid-peripheral light sensitivity is present in diabetic patients with persistent microalbuminuria.
• Computerized perimetry is a useful tool for detecting early retinal functional impairment in diabetic children.
• Early visual field changes may indicate subclinical retinal dysfunction in diabetes.