Abstract

SUAREZ RODRIGUEZ, Bárbara et al. Presence of Eye Diseases in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Medisur [online]. 2011, vol.9, n.6, pp. 546-551. ISSN 1727-897X.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem worldwide given that it is one of the most common non-communicable diseases. The severity and diversity of its chronic complications includes the visual organ. Objective: To identify the presence of eye diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted at the Center for Diabetes Care and Education in Cienfuegos from January to June 2010. It included the patients with type 2 diabetes who were outpatiently admitted in this institution. The variables analyzed included: age, sex, skin color, personal medical history, risk factors, ophthalmologic conditions (both declared and hidden), as well as patients’ satisfaction degree with the care they received at the center. Results: The highest percent of patients were females (58.7%) and the predominant age group was that from 50 to 69 years old (34, 6%). Most frequently mentioned general and ophthalmic diseases were hypertension (52, 4%) and cataract (17, 8%), in that order. Among hidden diseases, eye cataract and suspected glaucoma predominated. 96.6% of diabetics included in the study were satisfied with the care they received at the center. Conclusions: It is common in our diabetic patients to suffer from undiagnosed eye conditions. In a considerable number of patients, diabetes mellitus is associated with hypertension and cataract.

Keywords : diabetes mellitus, type 2; eye manifestations; diagnosis.