Experts discussed issues related to diabetes, which included its effects on the eyes, at a symposium organised by the Tamil Nadu Opthalmic Association on Saturday (TNOA).
“We are not only focussed on creating awareness among ophthalmologists, but also general practitioners about the symptoms they should be aware of that will help with the diagnosis of conditions such as glaucoma,” said Mohan Rajan, Chairman of TNOA-Academic Research Circle.
Stating that the country, known as the capital of diabetes, spends nearly Rs. 15 lakh crore for its treatment, Vijay Viswanathan from M.V. Hospital for Diabetes said that awareness of complications that could arise due to diabetes must increase so that control became easier.
“Stepwise management of Type II diabetes, which includes insulin therapy, as soon as it is diagnosed will greatly help keep hyperglycaemia in control,” he said. On conditions such as retinopathy, Mr. Viswanathan said that persons who were diagnosed with Type II diabetes should undergo immediate retinal examination.
Nivean Madhivanan from the M.N. Eye Hospital said diabetic retinopathy had become a major cause of preventable blindness in developing countries.
“Since the symptoms are not very visible initially, people must be urged to go in for screenings at the earliest,” Dr. Madhivanan said.
The country spends nearly
Rs. 15 lakh crore on treatment
of disorder
