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Loss of visual function associated with microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus
Author(s) -
Dhanesha Usha,
Gilchrist Jim,
Miles David,
Bradford Nial,
Weatherill John
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1991.tb02032.x
Subject(s) - microalbuminuria , medicine , diabetes mellitus , retinopathy , flicker , nephropathy , diabetic retinopathy , ophthalmology , retinal , contrast (vision) , angiopathy , cardiology , optometry , endocrinology , optics , physics , electrical engineering , engineering
Visual function loss has been documented in diabetes mellitus in relation to flicker and contrast. However, no direct correlation between the degree of loss in sensitivity and the level of retinopathy has been established. It has been suggested that such non‐invasive psychophysical procedures actually reflect metabolic disturbances within the diabetic retina. This study investigates the possibility of whether early nephropathy demonstrated by microalbuminuria, is an indicator of micro‐angiopathy which may be a cause of retinal disturbance leading to a loss of visual function. The visual function of a group of diabetics showing microalbuminuria was studied. Contrast and flicker threshold were measured and the results compared with those obtained with an age‐matched control diabetic group. The procedures used effectively separated the two groups and raises the issue of incorporating psychophysics in retinal screening programmes.