Awareness of Effects of Systemic Diseases on Eyes Among Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common leading causes of blindness in 20–74 years
old population. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common complications and a leading
cause of severe visual impairment among diabetics. Similarly, hypertension is a major and
common health problem among middle aged and elderly people. It is estimated to cause 7.1
million deaths annually accounting 13% of death globally. Overall 26.4% adult population was
estimated to have hypertension in 2000 A.D. Hypertensive retinopathy is damage to the retina and
retinal circulation due to high blood pressure and a common cause of visual loss. In view of these
blinding complications of diabetes and hypertension, this study was performed to assess the
awareness of effects of common systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension and their
potentially blinding complications like diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hypertensive retinopathy
(HR) among the newly enrolled medical (MBBS and BDS) students of KISTMCTH.
Methods: This is a hospital based cross sectional study done in over a period of one month
from 30th April 2019 to 29th May 2019. 122 newly enrolled medical (MBBS and BDS) students of
KISTMCTH seen in Eye OPD as a part of their routine general check up were selected for the
study and were assessed by questionnaire about their general knowledge regarding the ocular
involvement in systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. All the students were seen by
the general physician as well.
Results: Of 122 subjects included for the study, 52 of them were already aware of the fact that
systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension can have effects on the eyes. Remaining
70 subjects were unaware that uncontrolled blood sugar or blood pressure could damage the
eyes causing permanent decrease in vision and that regular eye check ups could prevent these
devastating complications.
Conclusion: This study shows that a lot of young populations are not aware of the fact that
systemic diseases can affect the eyes and they can be prevented to some extent by regular eye
examinations. More awareness programs should be conducted to create awareness among them.
Keywords: Awareness, Diabetic Retinopathy, Hypertensive Retinopathy, Ocular Complications.