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OBJECTIVES: To assess different patterns of retinopathy in diabetic patients admitted at LUMHS & to determine risk factors for diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODOLOGY: This descriptive (case series) comparative study was conducted in medical unit IV, LUMHS Jamshoro/ Hyderabad from January 2009 to June 2009. Total 100 patients either known cases or newly diagnosed cases of both type1 and type2 diabetes mellitus, aged 20 to 60 years, were selected. All patients were subjected to thorough history taking & clinical examination. Blood pressure, weight & body mass index (BMI) were recorded & systemic examination done. Every patient then underwent a detailed ophthalmoscopic examination by the principal researcher. Blood & urine samples of those having DR were taken for HbA1c estimation, hemoglobin levels & proteinuria. RESULTS: Out of 100 diabetic patients examined, 24 (24%) had diabetic retinopathy (DR). The commonest form of DR was non-proliferative (74.9% [mild: 33.3 %, moderate: 29.1 %, and severe: 12.5 %]), followed by Maculopathy (16.6 %) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (8.3 %). The frequency of DR was higher among individuals with type 1 diabetes, having early onset and greater duration of diabetes with proteinuria, poor glycemic control with high blood pressure & among women, anemic & obese patients. CONCLUSION: Routine retinal screening for Diabetic retinopathy at the time of diagnosis in type2 diabetes and annual retinal screening in both type1 and type2 diabetes can considerably reduce the risk of visual loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]