Dr.SMRITI GUPTA
The incidence of diabetes and consequently diabetic retinopathy (DR) and hypertension is on the rise and both diseases are seen to afflict the same group of individuals.
This study analyzed the effect of hypertension on the severity of DR in diabetic patients. Detailed history of diabetes and hypertension were taken from subjects. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination was done and DR was graded according to ETDRS classification.
Out of 545 patients enrolled, 214 patients were hypertensive. The overall prevalence of DR was 38.53% and it was more frequent in hypertensive( 41.58%) than in non hypertensive (36.56% ) patients. Moderate NPDR(34.83% vs 31.40%), severe NPDR(16.85% vs 14.05%) and PDR(16.85% vs 6.61%) were more common in hypertensive patients. In contrast mild NPDR was more frequent in non hypertensive patients (47.93%) compared to those with hypertension (31.46%). Thus we concluded that hypertension increases the risk as well as severity of DR.
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