The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39983

Elizabeth Hoppe, OD, DrPH¹, Liza F. Dimaranan, OD¹, Carey B. Poultney, OD¹, and Freddy W.L. Chang, OD, PhD². (1) Southern California College of Optometry, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92831, (714)449-7427, ehoppe@scco.edu, (2) Department of Optometry, San Diego VAMC, San Diego VAMC, San Diego, CA 92831

Background: Diabetes mellitus currently affects 15.7 million Americans. In the Department of Veterans’ Affairs health care system, approximately 30% of all veterans are afflicted with this condition, constituting a compelling reason to study the progression of diabetes in aging veterans. This study explores the progression of diabetic retinopathy and its relationship with each of the following three characteristics: age, ethnicity, and subject adherence to a diabetic treatment plan. Methods: A systematic retrospective chart review was performed on a population of diabetic veterans. Subjects were classified into two categories, non-adherent and adherent, based on the number of dilated fundus exams completed over a five-year period. Concurrently, information on the subject’s age and ethnicity was also collected. ANOVA and chi-square statistical analysis techniques were utilized to interpret the data. Results: Our study indicates that there is no statistically significant difference in the extent of diabetic retinopathy between the adherent and non-adherent treatment groups. Our study also showed that there is no relationship between the subject’s ethnicity and adherence or diabetic retinopathy stages. Statistical significance (p=0.000060) was found between age of the subjects and adherence to a diabetic treatment plan. Non-adherent subjects tended to be younger (mean age=62.3) than the compliant subjects (mean age=74.6). Discussion: Our study indicates that yearly dilated fundus exams as a means to monitor and prevent progression of diabetic retinopathy did not affect ocular health outcomes. Additional measures for prevention of decreased ocular health outcomes must be explored.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session the participant will be able to

• Describe the prevalence of diabetes in patients seen by the Department of Veterans Affairs
• Characterize unique risk factors for diabetic retinopathy progression
• Describe recommendations for dilated eye examinations for diabetics
• Consider implications for diabetes treatment programs based on the results fo this study

Keywords: Diabetes, Veterans' Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Department of Veterans Affairs
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.