TITLE:
Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Northern Uganda
AUTHORS:
Bob Rolex Opio, Dauglas Nkoyooyo, Jonathan Byamukama, Mariam Nalweyiso, Tumusime Benet Kambale, Benedicto Watmon
KEYWORDS:
Visual Impairment, Diabetes Mellitus, Prevalence, Causes, Uganda
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.15 No.3,
August
29,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the leading cause of Visual Impairment (VI) globally and VI is the most common and debilitating complication of DM; it significantly impacts the quality of life, productivity, and independence of affected individuals yet its burden and its specific causes among diabetic patients is lacking incomprehensive in a Ugandan community. This presents a major barrier to developing effective eye health strategies tailored for diabetic populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among patients with Diabetes Mellitus attending Diabetic clinic at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done including 181 patients with DM from August to October 2020; Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire, fasting blood sugar was measured using an On-Call plus Glucometer machine. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen’s chart and the causes of VI were determined using torch examinations, slit Lamp and ophthalmoscopic fundoscopy. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science Version 16 and presented in form of tables and graphs. Results: Of the 181 participants examined, 108 (59.7%) were females and 73 (40.3%) males. The prevalence of visual impairment was 24.9% and common in those aged above 60 years. Cataract was the commonest cause of visual impairment (44.4%) followed by refractive error (20%), maculopathy (13.3%), diabetic retinopathy (6.7%), glaucoma (4.4%), corneal scar (4.4%), optic atrophy (4.4%) and chorioretinopathy with (2.2%). Diabetic retinopathy proportion was 1.7%. Conclusion: Visual Impairment among patients with DM attending GRRH Diabetic Clinic was 25% and cataract was the commonest cause while the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was low (1.7%).