Refractive corrections of patients with retinopatia diabetica

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among adults with
diabetes mellitus. The pathological changes in the retinal vasculature, including microaneurysms, hemorrhages,
exudates, and neovascularization, compromise retinal integrity and visual function. In addition to retinal lesions,
patients with DR often experience refractive instability, manifesting as fluctuations in visual acuity and shifts in
refractive error. Accurate refractive correction in this population is essential but challenging, as it requires
consideration of both ocular structural changes and systemic metabolic control. This study aimed to evaluate the
patterns of refractive errors and the effectiveness of optical correction in patients with various stages of diabetic
retinopathy, with the goal of optimizing visual rehabilitation. A prospective clinical study was conducted on 330
patients (n = 660 eyes) diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Department in
the “Ferid Murad” Hospital Gostivar , over a period of 7 months. Patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic
examination, including uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity testing (Snellen chart), objective refraction
using autorefractometry, subjective refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, and
dilated fundus examination with indirect ophthalmoscopy. The stage of diabetic retinopathy was graded based on the
Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification. Refractive correction was prescribed based on
stable refractive values confirmed on at least two separate visits, spaced one week apart, to account for glycemic
fluctuations.