Contrast Sensitivity in Adult Type II Diabetes Patients without Retinopathy, with Retinopathy and Post-Laser Photocoagulation

Abstract

BACKGROUND India is emerging as worlds' diabetic capital. The cases of diabetic retinopathy are also increasing. We wanted to determine whether contrast sensitivity can be used as early indicator in diabetic retinopathy and also to measure and compare the contrast sensitivity in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and post-laser photocoagulation and correlate the contrast sensitivity in patients without diabetic retinopathy. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 50 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy and also 30 patients who had undergone laser photocoagulation who were above 30 years. Detailed history was obtained; ocular examination, and measurement of contrast sensitivity with Pelli Robson E and alphabet chart were done. Statistical analysis was done using Spearman's coefficient of correlation, analysed using Epi Data / SPSS. RESULTS Contrast sensitivity was found to be reduced in post laser photocoagulation group and retinopathy group when compared to no retinopathy group. CS value between 'No Retinopathy' and 'Post Laser' groups, the p value by unpaired t test was found be statistically significant (p<0.0001). Similar reduction in CS between 'No Retinopathy' group and 'Retinopathy' group (p<0.0001) was reported. CONCLUSIONS Contrast sensitivity could be a useful and easily available clinical tool in assessing retinal function in diabetic patients at a primary OPD setup.