The prevalence of eyesight deterioration in people aged over 50 years and its correlation with type II diabetes in Trinidad

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of eyesight deterioration and its correlation with type II diabetes in people aged 50 years and above. In addition, this study specifically focuses on assessing the relationships between demographics, various eye conditions and regression with respect to type II diabetes. Methods: This was a retrospective study which comprised 268 patients with eyesight problems. These participants were selected from the ophthalmology and diabetic clinics of two major health authorities in Trinidad. Both males and females over the age of 50 years of different ethnic groups with a history of eyesight problems or form of eyesight deterioration and/or type II diabetes were included in this study. Random stratified sampling was utilized to obtain samples from both hospitals. Data collection was done via questionnaires. Results: Data of our study showed that the people affected with eye problems were in the age group of 60-75 years. Of the study participants, 59.3% were affected with cataract followed by glaucoma (19.4%). Data also showed that 181 were diabetic and affected with one or the other eye problem. There was a correlation between incidence of eyesight deterioration and type II diabetes in people aged over 50 years. Conclusion: This study determined that there is, to an extent, a correlation between the incidence of eyesight deterioration and type II diabetes in people aged over 50 years.