Trends in Diabetic Retinopathy Severity among Patients at A Tertiary Care Eye Hospital: A Call to Strengthen Preventive Care

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v41i1.1967

Abstract

Purpose:  To analyze trends in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its management at a tertiary healthcare center from January 2016 to December 2019.

Study Design:  Descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study:  National Eye Center, Cicendo Eye Hospital, from August to September 2020.

Methods:  Data were obtained from the diabetic retinopathy database in the vitreo-retina unit. Information on patients’ sex, age, diagnosis, and treatment from each year was retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria encompassed all first-time DR patients scheduled for pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser, anti-VEGF injection, or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Patients with incomplete data or repeated visits were excluded. Among 63,824 records analyzed, 22,169 met the inclusion criteria. Patients were categorized into vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR), requiring treatment at the first visit, and non-VTDR.

Results:  Of the 22,169 patients included, 53.88% were female, and the majority were aged between 50 and 59 years. VTDR accounted for 19.12% of cases, while 80.88% were non-VTDR. Annual trends revealed changes in DR management approaches, with an increasing prevalence of VTDR and PPV emerging as the most frequently performed treatment.

Conclusion:  The predominance of non-VTDR cases highlights the urgent need for improved DR management at primary and secondary healthcare levels. Strengthening early detection and intervention protocols is essential to prevent disease progression and alleviate the burden on tertiary care facilities.