PREVALENCE OF DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AT FIVE YEARS OF UNCONTROLLED TYPE II DIABETES IN JORDAN

Ahmad A. Al Husban*, MD Ahmed E. Khatatbeh, MD Mohammad A. Al Dalabih, MD Najed M. Al Quran, MD Marwan M. Otoum, MD

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study explores the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Jordanian patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus after five years of disease duration. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted at King Hussein Medical Center between January 2023 and January 2025. Medical records of patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c> 8.5%) were analyzed for demographic data, ocular findings, systemic comorbidities, and treatment modalities. The prevalence and stages of DR, including diabetic macular edema (DME), were recorded. Results: Among 200 patients (400 eyes) studied, DR was present in 65% of cases, with 36% having DME. The prevalence of DR increased with worsening glycemic control. Proliferative DR (PDR) was observed in 11% of cases, with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking being common risk factors. Treatment patterns showed that anti-VEGF therapy was the most frequently used intervention, particularly in DME (84.7%) and PDR (100%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of DR among Jordanian patients with uncontrolled diabetes highlights the need for early screening, improved glycemic control, and better public health strategies to prevent vision-threatening complications. Further researches are essential to explore the burden of diabetic eye disease in this population.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy, Jordan, uncontrolled diabetes, HbA1c, diabetic macular edema, comorbidities.