Prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment in the population with type II diabetes mellitus and its effect on diabetic retinopathy: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study SN-DREAMS report no. 23.

OBJECTIVE

To report the prevalence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and predisposing factors to PVD and their effect on diabetic retinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based study.

METHODS

The study included subjects with type II diabetes mellitus enrolled from a cross-sectional study. Participants underwent a biochemical examination, and a comprehensive ocular examination which included stereo fundus photography. Diabetic retinopathy was graded by use of Klein's classification and diabetic maculopathy was graded by use of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) criteria. The status of the posterior vitreous was assessed by use of B-scan ultrasonography.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PVD was 63.3 %. The risk factors for PVD included age, gender, sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, and axial length. It was observed that incomplete PVD could lead to sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

We report the prevalence and risk factors of PVD in subjects with diabetes mellitus. Incomplete PVD is a major risk factor for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy.