[Retinography and tonometry in primary care: techniques incorporated into routine nursing practice]

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of eye fundus examinations during the study period compared to the previous year. To find out the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and the level of agreement between the primary care doctor and the ophthalmologist in the interpration of retinographies performed. To determine the relationship of the different variables with the prevalence of retinopathy. To describe the problems detected in the handling of the digital retinograph. And finally to determine the prevalence of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in diabetic patients.

Methods: In the wellness area S. Gormaz Esteban (Soria, Spain) we performed a descriptive observational study on patients with diabetes. The nurse conducted a visual screening that included retinography and tonometry.

Results: There was moderate agreement in interpretation of retinographs. The coverage of diabetes who have undergone eye screening has increased to 50% (133). Some degree of retinopathy was seen in 38% (44) of the patients studied and the quality of images obtained in 67% (88) was good. The type of diabetes and treatment, the presence of dyslipidemia and nephropathy and years of evolution and elevated glycated haemoglobin are statistically significant variables. The mean IOP was 14.66 mmHg, and 5% (6) had levels >21 mmHg.

Conclusions: The implementation of comprehensive eye screening for diabetic patients should be consolidated as an intervention in primary care and referring only patients with specialized referral criteria, doubtful cases and technical failures.