Abstract

Background: Diabetic eye diseases (DEDs) represent one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide. With the growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, ocular complications such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), cataract, and glaucoma are becoming increasingly significant public health concerns. Objective: To evaluate the clinical spectrum, risk factors, and management strategies for diabetic eye diseases based on recent advances in ophthalmology and endocrinology. Methods: A descriptive review-based study was conducted using clinical records of 150 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care ophthalmology unit between January 2022 and December 2023. Demographic data, clinical history, ocular examination findings, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. The grading of DR was based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification, and macular involvement was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results: Among 150 patients (mean age 56.2 ± 9.3 years), 58% were male and 42% female. DR was present in 64% of patients, of which 35% had non-proliferative DR and 29% had proliferative DR. DME was identified in 22% of cases, while 38% had diabetic cataract and 12% had glaucoma. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.0%) and duration of diabetes >10 years were strongly associated with DR severity (p < 0.001). Patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy for DME demonstrated significant improvement in central macular thickness (mean reduction: 85 µm) and best-corrected visual acuity over six months. Conclusion: Diabetic eye diseases remain highly prevalent among patients with longstanding and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular ophthalmic screening, strict glycemic control, and timely intervention with anti-VEGF agents and laser therapy play pivotal roles in reducing vision-related morbidity. Public health strategies focusing on early detection and awareness are crucial to combat the burden of diabetic blindness.

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