Demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to diabetic photo-screening and treated for sight threatening retinopathy in Fiji.

AIM: To describe the demographic features and visual outcomes of patients presenting to photo-screening services, and treated for sight threatening retinopathy (STR) in a low resource setting, Fiji.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all new patients who presented for diabetic photo-screening at the Diabetic Eye Clinic, Suva in 2010. Fundus images were graded using standardised guidelines. Patient demographics, retinopathy grading and visual acuity data were extracted from the database and analyzed. Patients that received laser therapy and still attending follow up in 2012 were examined for disease progression.

RESULTS: Totally 2236 patients were photo-screened, 87% (3870/4472) of images were gradable. STR was observed in 26% (988/3870) with advanced STR (proliferative retinopathy/severe maculopathy) in 10% (385/3870). Of those with STR, 59% had BCVA ≥6/18, 31% with advanced STR were <6/60. Male gender [odds ratio (OR) 1.59; 1.20-2.12], history of hypertension (OR 1.36; 1.03-1.80) and peripheral neuropathy (OR 1.41; 1.01-1.95) were predictive of advanced STR. In 2012, 32% (315/988) attended follow up with 69% exhibiting advanced STR compared with 53% of the same cohort in 2010. Laser photocoagulation was administered to 212 eyes (212/3870, 5%) with retinopathy and maculopathy progression observed in 52% and 33% respectively. BCVA ≥6/18 was noted in 67% (143/212) of treated eyes. Improved glycaemic control (OR 46.52; 1.50-1441.90) amongst those with advanced STR was predictive of eyes that maintained good vision.

CONCLUSION: In Fiji, a quarter of new patients presenting to photo-screening have STR with a third of those with advanced STR having already loss vision. Improved glycaemic control and timely treatment of patients with sight threatening complications is important in halting disease progression.