Effect of glycemic control on color vision in diabetic patients without clinically visible diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to rule out the effect of glycemic control on color vision in diabetic patients without clinical visible diabetic retinopathy.

Materials and Methods: A Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Nafees Medical College Hospital, Islamabad including 200 patients of age between 30 to 60 years. An informed consent was taken from every individual and collecting information regarding diabetes status (controlled/uncontrolled) was recorded. After the history taking the visual acuity of each individual was examined with LCD snellen chart at a distance of 6 meter and near vision of the individual were assessed with N-notation chart. After the visual acuity measurement subjective refraction was performed to obtain the BSV. After the best corrected visual acuity color vision of the individual was assessed with Ishihara 24 plate’s chart then dilated fundus examination was performed with +90 D lens to rule out diabetic retinopathy.

Results: The frequency of females was 56% and males were 22% with the mean age of 46.41+ 3.17 years. Out of 200 patients normal color vision was observed in 68% (n=136) patients, 24% (n=48) of the patients had reduced color vision and 8% (n=16) of the patients had color vision impairment. Most of the patients had controlled diabetes 64% (n=128) while uncontrolled diabetes were observed in 36% (n=72) patients. Chi-square test shows a highly significant (p-0.01) association of glycemic control on color vision in patients with diabetic mellitus.

Conclusion: There was highly significant association of Status of Diabetes (Controlled/uncontrolled) with color vision.

Key Words: BSV, Color vision, Diabetic retinopathy, Diabetes mellitus, Glycemic control