Community Education and Diabetic Retinopathy: Effects on ERG Responses and Visual Acuity

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of a community education program on diabetic retinopathy by analyzing changes in Electroretinogram (ERG) responses and visual indices. A purposive sampling method was used to target adults aged 20 to 50 at eye care centers, ensuring a demographically diverse group, including individuals without diabetes. The final sample included 195 participants, equally divided into healthy controls, diabetic patients, and high-risk individuals. Significant differences were found in ERG parameters and visual indices across healthy, diabetic, and high-risk groups, indicating that education programs may positively affect retinal function. Additionally, the study explores the correlation between ERG responses and visual indices, revealing significant positive relationships. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and regression, were performed using SPSS (version 29), which confirmed improvements in retinal health, supporting the study's hypotheses. The findings suggest that educational programs can have a meaningful impact on visual health outcomes for diabetic patients.