Pattern of ocular manifestations in patients with systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus: a descriptive observational cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

 Systemic hypertension and diabetes mellitus frequently coexist and can produce retinal and lenticular changes that threaten vision. Clinic‑based descriptions of the local burden help prioritize screening and early referral.

 Objectives:

 To describe the spectrum of ocular manifestations among adults with systemic hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus presenting to a secondary‑care hospital, and to summarize retinopathy severity and patterns by disease duration.

 Methods:

This descriptive observational study was conducted on fifty adults with documented hypertension and/or diabetes who underwent anterior‑segment evaluation and dilated fundus examination. Ocular findings were recorded, and retinopathy was graded using standard clinical criteria.

 Results:

The mean age was 56.8 ± 9.4 years, and 56% were men. Hypertension alone and combined hypertension–diabetes each accounted for 36% of participants, while diabetes alone accounted for 28%. Hypertensive retinopathy (44%), diabetic retinopathy (40%), and cataract (36%) were the leading findings, and 18% had a normal fundus. Diabetic macular edema was documented in 12%. Among 42 eyes with retinopathy, mild non‑proliferative changes predominated (42.9%), followed by moderate (33.3%), severe non‑proliferative (14.3%), and proliferative retinopathy (9.5%). Fundus abnormalities were more frequent in participants with systemic disease duration >10 years (83.3%) than in those with duration ≤5 years (52.4%).

 Conclusion:

 Ocular involvement was common in adults with hypertension and/or diabetes in this secondary‑care setting, with retinopathy and cataract comprising the dominant clinical workload. Strengthening opportunistic screening and timely referral can improve the detection of vision‑threatening disease.

 Recommendations:

Integrate BP–diabetes eye screening into outpatient workflows, counsel patients on control targets, and establish a fast‑track referral pathway for suspected macular edema or proliferative changes.