Prevalence of Low Vision in Diabetic Patients and Associated Demographic and Clinical Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health challenge, significantly increasing the risk of complications such as diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of low vision and blindness. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for early detection and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of low vision in diabetic patients and identify related demographic and clinical risk factors. Method and Materials: This cross-sectional study involved 132 diabetic patients at the Ophthalmology Department of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College from January 2021 to December 2022. Data were collected through interviews, clinical examinations, and reviews of medical records, focusing on visual acuity, duration of diabetes, and comorbidities, with analyses performed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was obtained, ensuring informed consent and participant confidentiality. Result: The study population comprised 132 diabetic participants, with a mean age of 56.4 years. The majority had been living with diabetes for over 10 years (43.2%) and displayed moderate low vision (30.3%). Comorbidities included hypertension (56.8%) and diabetic retinopathy (68.2%). The average HbA1c level was 8.2%, indicating poor glycemic control in 39.4% of participants. Most utilized low vision aids like magnifying glasses (30.3%), while 28% did not use any aids. Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence of low vision in diabetic individuals, emphasizing the impact of diabetic retinopathy, poor glycemic control, and comorbidities on vision impairment.