Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 455–459. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701908; published online 20 May 2005
The incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in Leeds
The authors have no proprietary or financial interest in any of the products
N Kumar1, E Goyder2 and M McKibbin1
- 1St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
- 2Clinical Senior Lecturer in Public Health, University of Sheffield, UK
Correspondence: M McKibbin, St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. Tel: +44 113 206 6429; Fax: +44 113 2065028; E-mail: martin.mckibbin@leedsth.nhs.uk
Received 3 February 2005; Accepted 28 February 2005; Published online 20 May 2005.
Abstract
Aim
A key aim of the photographic screening model for diabetic retinopathy advocated by the National Screening Committee is a reduction in new blindness due to diabetic retinopathy within 5 years. This study determines the incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in Leeds in 2002 and provides a benchmark against which the success of the retinopathy screening programme in Leeds will be judged.
Methods
A retrospective review of all blind and partially sighted registrations for 2002 was conducted. The 2001 Census data and the diabetes prevalence model developed by the Yorkshire and Humber Public Health Observatory were used to determine the total and diabetic populations of Leeds.
Results
Diabetic retinopathy was the primary cause of registration in 24 of the 398 completed records obtained; seven patients were registered blind and 17 partially sighted. For the total population in 2002, the incidence of blind and partially sighted registration due to diabetic retinopathy was 10 per million and 24 per million per year, respectively. For the diabetic population of Leeds in 2002, the incidence of blind and partial sighted registration due to diabetic retinopathy was 337 and 817 per million per year, respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence of blind registration due to diabetic retinopathy in Leeds in 2002 is similar to the estimate provided by the National Screening Committee but higher than the figure from other UK centres.
Keywords:
diabetic retinopathy, incidence, visual disability, Leeds, blind registration
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