Ravindra Kumar Chowdhury

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on the occasion of world diabetes day. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire (21 points with 16 questions) was prepared and distributed among the diabetic population visiting the camp. The questionnaire was mainly prepared to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of diabetic retinopathy. Result: 192 diabetic patients attending the camps were included in our study. Male to female ratio of the diabetic population was found to be 3:1. The awareness about the complication of diabetic retinopathy was higher among 51 to 60 years of age group with a p-value of 0.0145. Out of the total study population, 32.4% belonged to the knowledge group with the right attitude. 31.25% had knowledge about diabetes & its complications and 47.9% had a practice of going for a routine eye checkup. Conclusion: The knowledge of diabetic retinopathy can be improved in a population by increasing the awareness about diabetic retinopathy. Such an awareness campaign on world diabetic day can help in early detection and timely intervention of diabetes. The rates of diabetic retinopathy related blindness can be controlled by increasing awareness about it. Keywords: Awareness, Diabetic retinopathy, Knowledge, Practice.

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Abstract

A 24 years male presented with a headache for one year, recent memory loss and loss of left hemifield of vision for three months. Upon examination, visual acuity was found to be 20/20 in both eyes. Automated perimetry revealed left homonymous hemianopia with sparing of the macula. Right thalamic infarct and subacute infarct in the territory of the right posterior cerebral artery (PCA) were the findings on CT scan. Except for decreased vitamin B12 level and increased homocysteine level in serum, rest of the serological, biochemical, hormonal and immunological investigations were within normal limits. MRI of the brain showed right PCA infarct and few ischemic foci in bilateral periventricular regions. MR Angiogram revealed relatively reduced flow in the right PCA and right vertebral artery. The patient was managed with antiplatelet drugs and supplementation of vitamin B12. Marked improvement was noticed in a headache and memory loss and there was normalization of field defect after 6 months of treatment. Cases of homonymous hemianopia in neuro-ophthalmology are not unusual, but the etiology and course of this case report make an interesting variation. Keywords: Homonymous hemianopia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Posterior Cerebral artery infarct.

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