Developing a screening program to detect sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in South India.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a screening protocol for detection of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in south India.


METHODS
We performed ophthalmic examinations, including posterior segment examination, using indirect ophthalmoscopy to detect sight-threatening retinopathy in patients with diabetes in screening camps targeting a high-risk population.


RESULTS
We examined 3,949 persons with diabetes in 32 screening camps over a 13-month period beginning July 2001. Most of the patients (93.6%) were aware of their diabetic status, and 84.2% of those aware of their diabetes status were on treatment. One-fifth of those screened had evidence for any retinopathy; only 6.1% of these persons had evidence of past ophthalmic treatment for retinopathy. Only one-quarter of those diagnosed with worse than mild retinopathy came for follow-up to the base hospital within 2 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Screening high-risk groups for sight-threatening retinopathy using indirect ophthalmoscopy may be a useful short-term alternative for India until retinal photography becomes affordable. In addition to strategies to improve coverage, strategies for better follow-up of subjects screened also need to be evolved.
Namperumalsamy
Perumalsamy
P
Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Aravind Eye Care System, Ghandi Nagar, Madurai, India.
Nirmalan
Praveen K
PK
Ramasamy
Kim
K
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*