Ocular Complications in Diabetic Patients: Prevalence, Impact on Quality of Life, and Implications for Healthcare

Introduction: 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. Methodology: 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. Results: 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%). Conclusion: This study highlights the major impact of diabetic ocular complications on patients’ quality of life.