Prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes at the Optometrist`s Practice and Supplemental Literature Review for Identifying Prevalence of Prediabetes : cross-sectional study
Ketola, Riikka (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120833620
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120833620
Tiivistelmä
Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes are major public health
concerns with significant ocular implications. While research has traditionally
focused on retinal complications, recent evidence highlights anterior segment
and ocular surface changes that may occur early in the disease process.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore the prevalence and
characteristics of eye-related complications in individuals diagnosed with or
suspected of having T2D during visits to an optometrist. The aim is to deepen
understanding and identify ocular findings associated with T2D that may support
early detection and multidisciplinary care.
Methods: This thesis employed a cross-sectional study design, including patients
who attended vision examinations at a single optometric practice during a defined
time. Clinical findings were analyzed with a focus on individuals diagnosed with
or suspected of having T2D. The empirical data was complemented by a literature
review examining the prevalence of prediabetes in young adults and associated
ocular findings reported in previous studies.
Results: The findings indicate that T2D is associated with an increased risk of
ocular infections and dry eye disease. Changes in the ocular surface may appear
early in the course of the disease, particularly when diabetes is poorly controlled
or still developing. In addition, young-onset T2D was linked to more severe
diabetic retinopathy at presentation, which correlated with higher rates of
systemic comorbidities, poorer visual acuity, and greater need for medical and
surgical interventions.
Conclusions: Optometrists play a crucial role in recognizing early changes in T2D
and prediabetes, particularly as legislative changes may increase the number of
elderly and pediatric patients in practice. family history should be considered as
a risk factor, and regular eye examinations are indispensable for preventing vision -threatening complications. Future research should focus on tailored screening
strategies for diverse patient groups to strengthen guidelines and improve
outcomes.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes, Ocular findings
2
concerns with significant ocular implications. While research has traditionally
focused on retinal complications, recent evidence highlights anterior segment
and ocular surface changes that may occur early in the disease process.
Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to explore the prevalence and
characteristics of eye-related complications in individuals diagnosed with or
suspected of having T2D during visits to an optometrist. The aim is to deepen
understanding and identify ocular findings associated with T2D that may support
early detection and multidisciplinary care.
Methods: This thesis employed a cross-sectional study design, including patients
who attended vision examinations at a single optometric practice during a defined
time. Clinical findings were analyzed with a focus on individuals diagnosed with
or suspected of having T2D. The empirical data was complemented by a literature
review examining the prevalence of prediabetes in young adults and associated
ocular findings reported in previous studies.
Results: The findings indicate that T2D is associated with an increased risk of
ocular infections and dry eye disease. Changes in the ocular surface may appear
early in the course of the disease, particularly when diabetes is poorly controlled
or still developing. In addition, young-onset T2D was linked to more severe
diabetic retinopathy at presentation, which correlated with higher rates of
systemic comorbidities, poorer visual acuity, and greater need for medical and
surgical interventions.
Conclusions: Optometrists play a crucial role in recognizing early changes in T2D
and prediabetes, particularly as legislative changes may increase the number of
elderly and pediatric patients in practice. family history should be considered as
a risk factor, and regular eye examinations are indispensable for preventing vision -threatening complications. Future research should focus on tailored screening
strategies for diverse patient groups to strengthen guidelines and improve
outcomes.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes, Ocular findings
2