Shocking facts about diabetes and diabetic eye disease
l 30 per cent of people with diabetes never know that they have diabetes;
l A diabetes patient is 25 times more likely to go blind than a person without diabetes.
l The risk of diabetic retinopathy increases with the duration of diabetes.
l 60 per cent of patients with diabetes for 15 years or more will get diabetic retinopathy.
Tips for diabetics to avoid eye problems due to diabetes
l If diagnosed before 30,have an eye examination within five years of diagnosis.
l If diagnosed after 30, have an eye examination as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed.
l Pregnant women must have an eye examination within the first three months of pregnancy.
l Good systemic control of diabetes will prevent vision loss.
Treatments available for diabetic retinopathy
l Laser treatment or an intraocular injection is used to seal abnormal leaking blood vessels.
l Advanced cases with bleeding into the eye and scar tissue require surgery.
l Early detection through eye examination and treatment is vital for successful treatment.
(The author is a senior consultant surgeon in Vasan Eye Care Hospital, Chennai)
