Abstract:
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus (D.M.) is a significant public health problem where about more than
300 million people are affected, with severe morbidity and mortality. Its long-term
complications can decrease the quality of life of patients.
Ocular manifestations of diabetes include anterior ischaemic neuropathy, glaucoma,
cataract, retinal vascular occlusions, and retinopathy/ maculopathy.
Vitamin D plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy through its effects
on the immune system, angiogenesis and anti-inflammatory effects.
As the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is high in our area, this study is undertaken to
estimate the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus patients with
diabetic retinopathy and correlate the Total Vitamin D levels with retinopathy changes.
