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Higher rate of uncorrectable visual impairment found in diabetic patients
Arch Ophthalmol. 2008;126(10)1421-1427.
Investigators found a 170% higher prevalence of uncorrectable visual impairment and a 60% higher prevalence of correctable visual impairment in people with diabetes than in those without.
Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999 to 2004, the investigators estimated the prevalence of presenting, uncorrectable and correctable visual impairment in the U.S. noninstitutionalized population with and without diabetes mellitus. Subjects were aged 20 years and older.
In respondents with diabetes, 3.8% had uncorrectable visual impairment and 7.2% had correctable visual impairment. In respondents without diabetes, 1.4% had uncorrectable visual impairment and 4.5% had correctable visual impairment. Uncorrectable visual impairment was higher among people older than 40 years with diabetes.
Independent of diabetes status, an association was suggested between both types of visual impairment and older age, racial and ethnic status, low income and no health insurance.
Based on the results, the investigators recommended early diagnosis and prompt treatment of diabetes mellitus to reduce the incidence of uncorrectable visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-associated ocular conditions.