Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy at first presentation to the retinal screening service in the greater Wellington region of New Zealand 2006-2015, and implications for models of retinal screening
Chang, L.Yl.; Lee, A.C.; Sue, W.
New Zealand medical journal 130(1450): 78-88
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 1175-8716 PMID: 28207727 Document Number: 693816
To describe the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients at first presentation for diabetic retinal screening in the greater Wellington region with the intent of service evaluation. This is a retrospective study using data collected from patients newly referred for diabetic retinal screening between 2006-2015 (prevalence analysis, n=12667). The prevalence of DR was calculated by gender, ethnicity, age, type of diabetes and glycaemic control (HbA1c). Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis. The prevalence of any DR was 22.5% (n=2852) (non-sight-threatening (NST-DR) n=2562, 20.2%, sight-threatening (ST-DR) n=290, 2.3%). Type 1 diabetes and poor HbA1c control were strongly associated with any degree of DR. Old-age (>65 years), and Asian and Pacific Island (PI) ethnicity had moderately greater odds compared with European. Male gender had marginally increased odds for any DR. This study identified a large proportion (97.7%) of patients (no DR n=9815, 77.5%, NST-DR n=2562, 20.2%) who can be managed in the community by appropriately supported primary care providers, and do not require referral to secondary care ophthalmology. In addition to early detection of ST-DR (2.3%), retinal screening is an early opportunity for education of patients with no DR or NST-DR.