DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2014.v02i08.011

Pages: 532-535

Routine methods to detect diabetic retinopathy (DR) require expensive setup. There is magnanimous number of undiagnosed diabetics having DR and scarcity of ophthalmologists in rural India. A cheap, easily available and easily understood screening modality is required. Amsler grid has been tried as an effective screening modality in this study. We conducted a randomized, cross sectional study including 146 eyes of diabetics. Based on duration of diabetes mellitus (DM) cases were divided into 3 groups: group A (10-15 years of DM), group B (16-20 years), group C (>20 years). Amsler grid test was performed followed by fundus examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of the test in group A was 48.3%, 80.8%, 84.8% & 41.2% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV in group B was 71.9%, 66.7%, 88.5% & 40% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV in Group C was 70%, 100%, 100% & 14.2% respectively. Thus, Amsler grid test can be utilized as a cost effective screening modality for diabetic retinopathy. Cases detected by paramedical staff or by self-screening should be referred to ophthalmologist for resultant early diagnosis, better prognosis and reduction in cost of treatment.