%0 Journal Article
%T Ocular Complications in Diabetic Patients: Prevalence, Impact on Quality of Life, and Implications for Healthcare
%A Prudence Ada Assoumou
%A Davy Alex Mouinga Abayi
%A Daniella Nsame
%A Annick Kougou Ntoutoume
%A H&#233
%A l&#232
%A ne Nyinko Aboughe
%A Olive Matsanga
%A Tatiana Harly Mba Aki
%A Emmanuel Mve Mengome
%J Open Journal of Ophthalmology
%P 149-158
%@ 2165-7416
%D 2024
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojoph.2024.142015
%X <b>Introduction:</b> Diabetes, a chronic disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, poses a major global health challenge. In Gabon, 10% of the population is affected by this condition, highlighting the need to actively understand and manage it. Ocular complications of diabetes, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, have a devastating impact on patients quality of life and represent a crucial issue for healthcare systems. <b>Methodology:</b> This study conducted in Libreville from February 9, 2022, to April 15, 2022, was cross-sectional, longitudinal, and descriptive, with prospective data collection. Participants were diabetic patients regularly followed in the endocrinology department of CHUL, who were referred for a comprehensive ophthalmological examination at CHUO. Sampling was exhaustive, with strict inclusion criteria aimed at ensuring the representativeness of the study population. <b>Results</b><b>:</b> The mean age of participants was 57.5 ± 13.2 years with a male-to-female ratio of 0.8. Personal histories were dominated by hypertension, while family histories were dominated by diabetes. Ocular complications of diabetes included refractive disorders (78.9%), cataracts (31.7%), glaucoma (78.9%), and diabetic retinopathy (13.7%). These ocular complications had a significant impact on participants’ quality of life, leading to impaired vision (78.9%), difficulties in carrying out daily activities (62.2%), the need for caregiver assistance (50.3%), high levels of stress and anxiety (68.9%), regular medication intake (71.4%), adherence to a specific diet (55.9%), and frequent blood glucose monitoring (74.5%). <b>Conclusion</b><b>:</b> This study highlights the major impact of diabetic ocular complications on patients’ quality of life.
%K Ocular Complications
%K Diabetes
%K Quality of Life
%K Prevalence
%K Gabon
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=133348