Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non communicable disease and one of the most important public health problems in India. There are many known ocular complications of diabetes, ranging from conjunctivitis to more severe one like diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion and optic nerve atrophy. Aim: The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of ocular morbidities in type 2 diabetes mellitus of more than 10 years duration. Material and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, type 2, for more than 10 years. After initial laboratory investigations, a detailed ocular examination was conducted using auto-refractometer, Snellen’s chart, Slit lamp, Schiotz’s tonometer. Retinoscopy and fundus examination was also carried out to determine the relevant pathologies. If required, further examinations such as B scan, Gonioscopy were done. Results: The most common ocular morbidity noted was cataract (47.61%). More severe complications like, chorio retinal complications were seen in 198 (32.62%) subjects. Other ocular morbidities were refractive errors (25.70%), glaucoma (8.24%), Episcleritis (0.66%), Uveitis (0.49%), Mono neuropathy; 3, 4 or 6th nerve palsy (0.49%). The study has revealed that the duration of diabetes was statistically associated with the diabetic retinopathy (p<0.001). Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus affects all parts of the visual system.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus; Ocular Morbidity; Cataract; Duration of Diabetes.