Purpose:

To determine the findings of diabetic retinopathy by ophthalmic arterial Doppler ultrasound in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out in 200 orbits of 100 diabetic patients, who underwent fundus examination for diagnosis and grading of diabetic retinopathy. The time of diagnosis of diabetes and the presence or absence of obesity were determined by interrogation and physical examination. In addition, orbital ultrasound and carotid Doppler were performed, and only if they were normal, the ophthalmic arteries were evaluated by Doppler ultrasound.

Results:

Diabetic patients between 40 and 60 years of age, from the male gender, cases without diabetic retinopathy, and the group with more than 10 years of diagnosed diabetes predominated. A decrease in flow velocity and an increase in vascular resistance at the level of the ophthalmic arteries were demonstrated, while a significant association of these hemodynamic parameters with aging, presence or absence of obesity, time of diagnosis of diabetes and severity of diabetic retinopathy was evidenced. However, no significant association was found as to gender.

Conclusions:

Doppler ultrasound assessment of the ophthalmic arteries would make the study and follow-up of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus more complete.

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