Changes in Contrast Sensitivity in Young Adults with Diabetes

Authors

Aziimah A. Abd Rahman, Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Kemaman, Jalan Da Omar, 24000, Kemaman, Terengganu, Malaysia
Noor E. Badarudin, Department of Optometry and Visual Science Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences International Islamic University Malaysia Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200, Kuantan, MalaysiaFollow
Mohd Z. Che Azemin, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS) International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Norsham Ahmad, Department of Optometry and Visual Science Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
Azrin E. Arifin, Faculty of Optometry & Vision Sciences, SEGi University, Petaling Jaya 47810, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: This study compared contrast sensitivity and visual acuity of young adults with diabetes to that of controls and attempted to identify predictors of dry eye symptoms in patients with diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study, which included 37 patients with diabetes and 37 age-matched controls, was conducted in the Optometry Clinic of Kulliyyah Allied Health Science. All participants were aged between 19 and 39 years. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of diabetes without any evidence of ocular disease, abnormalities in colour vision or media opacity. Results: The contrast sensitivity significantly differed between patients and controls (p = 0.045). A multiple regression analysis showed that contrast sensitivity was a significant predictor of ocular symptoms in patients with diabetes, and this was statistically significant (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Contrast sensitivity may be affected during early ocular changes among young adults with diabetes. It may also predict the occurrence of dry eye symptoms in such patients.

Recommended Citation

Abd Rahman AA, Badarudin NE, Che Azemin MZ, Ahmad N, Arifin AE. Changes in Contrast Sensitivity in Young Adults with Diabetes. Makara J Health Res. 2018;22.