[Ocular complications in diabetes mellitus in Zaire].

OBJECTIVE

to determine the incidence of ocular complications of diabetes in Zaïre.

METHODS

the study was based on an analysis of data from 382 diabetic patients seen from 1978 through 1989, and from Jan. 1990 through April 1990. Ocular complications were determined by routine ophthalmic examination including an inspection of adnexa, biomicroscopy, ophthalmoscopy.

RESULTS

the average age of patients was 46 years the male to female ratio being 2:1. Ocular complications were found in 200 (52%) of 382 patients and included diabetic retinopathy (32%), cataract (18%) and other manifestations (vitreous hemorrhage, diabetic papillopathy, neovascular glaucoma, rubeosis iridis, keratitis, hordeolum) were rare (2%). Blindness caused by diabetes mellitus was found in 4% of patients and was due to diabetic retinopathy and cataract.

CONCLUSION

Ocular complications seen in this study were comparable to those reported in Africa and the World.