Prevalence Rates of Diabetic Retinopathy and Undiagnosed Diabetes Among Delaware Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility Residents.

To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and undiagnosed diabetes among Delaware nursing home and assisted care facility residents. This cross-sectional study involved the statistical analysis of comprehensive eye examination records of 2,063 nursing home residents residing in 18 facilities and 4 assisted living facilities in Delaware from 2005 to 2009. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to identify the rates of retinal dot and blot hemorrhages and existing systemic diabetes diagnoses. The mean age of nursing home and assisted care facility residents was 77 years (range 9-104), and 64.4% were over the age of 80. Most residents were female (61.1%) and white (72.5%). 3.6% of the 2,063 nursing home residents had blot or dot hemorrhages in one or both eyes. 32.8% had a type 1 or type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Of the ones with a positive dot and blot hemorrhage finding, 56.8% had a diagnosis of diabetes, and 43.2% did not. There was a high prevalence of dot and blot hemorrhages without a systemic diagnosis of diabetes, indicating a need for regular eye care among residents.