Shahidul Islam1
Purpose: Purpose of this study was to evaluate basic features of diabetic patients screened for diabetic retinopathy during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This Observational study was conducted in National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Dhaka during COVID-19 pandemic from 1st July 2020 to 31st December, 2020. Patients of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) which were advised for diabetic retinopathy screening by outpatient department in NIOH are taken as study population. Detailed history was taken. Clinical examination was performed and properly recorded. Results: Among the study population, 60% were male and 40% were female. 51% patients had no diabetic retinopathy, 4% patients had background diabetic retinopathy, 18% patients had background diabetic retinopathy with maculopathy, 9% patients had pre proliferative diabetic retinopathy with maculopathy, 14% patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy and 4% patients remained ungraded. 42% patients were advised Anti-VEGF injections, 21% were advised LASER, 31% were advised surgery, 1% were advised injection with surgery, 3% were advised injection with LASER, 2% were advised LASER with surgery. Conclusion: Diabetic Retinopathy screening program is necessary to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy early which is essential to prevent diabetes induced visual morbidity. Even in pandemic period, the show must go on with essential precautions.
Key Words: COVID 19, Diabetic Retinopathy, Screening
