Risk factors of focal maculopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with hard exudates: A hospital-based case–control study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Dyslipidemia and hard exudates of the retina have an intricate association. Increased lipid levels cause increased hard exudates. Many studies found dyslipidemia as an independent risk factor for the development of hard exudates in maculopathy. Objectives: The objective of this study was the association between dyslipidemia and the presence of hard exudates among focal maculopathy patients with and without hard exudates. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based case–control study. This study included 60 patients with focal maculopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) with hard exudates. Sixty patients with Focal maculopathy in type 2 DM without hard exudates were taken as control. Results: Dyslipidemia was significantly seen (P < 0.05) in cases compared to participants. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very LDL-C were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) had the opposite outcome. HDL-C was significantly lower in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia was a strong risk factor for the formation of hard exudates in the macula. An increase in lipid levels increased the hard exudates concentration in the macula and retina.