A recent survey reported as many as 63 percents of the Indians, who were part of the study and tested positive for diabetes, were unaware of the fact that diabetes can and is most likely causing damage to their retina. The survey revealed that 82 percent opted out of getting a retinal examination done and an alarming 92 per cent only got a retinal examination done after their vision got affected.
Also, 68 percent were unaware of the fact that Diabetic Retinopathy can, in fact, be prevented as well as treated. The good news is that the Diabetic Retinopathy can be contained to a large extent by raising awareness and screening people suffering from this condition, states the study.
One of the key motives of the survey was to not only create awareness among diabetics, but also reduce the number of diabetics who require laser treatments, anti-VEGF injections, and Vitrectomy by detecting and managing it early, stated Kiran Shah, Consultant Diabetologist, Diabetes and Thyroid Care Centre.
Shah also mentioned that 60.8 percent of the people in the survey were from the working class in the age group of 40 to 70 years, and they all suffered from a threat to their vision. 52.2 per cent out of this number were men who smoked regularly and were at a heightened risk of developing diabetic retinopathy over a period as a diabetic.
Additionally, cases that are affected by uncontrolled hypertension and cholesterol had a higher chance of developing diabetic retinopathy. Most cases of advanced diabetic kidney disease were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and those in the initial stages were found to be at an increased risk, added Shah.
If you’ve been a diabetic for some time now, it is advisable to get your eyesight checked, even if you are not having vision issues, to try and prevent any further retina damage if any.
Also, 68 percent were unaware of the fact that Diabetic Retinopathy can, in fact, be prevented as well as treated. The good news is that the Diabetic Retinopathy can be contained to a large extent by raising awareness and screening people suffering from this condition, states the study.
One of the key motives of the survey was to not only create awareness among diabetics, but also reduce the number of diabetics who require laser treatments, anti-VEGF injections, and Vitrectomy by detecting and managing it early, stated Kiran Shah, Consultant Diabetologist, Diabetes and Thyroid Care Centre.
Shah also mentioned that 60.8 percent of the people in the survey were from the working class in the age group of 40 to 70 years, and they all suffered from a threat to their vision. 52.2 per cent out of this number were men who smoked regularly and were at a heightened risk of developing diabetic retinopathy over a period as a diabetic.
Additionally, cases that are affected by uncontrolled hypertension and cholesterol had a higher chance of developing diabetic retinopathy. Most cases of advanced diabetic kidney disease were diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy and those in the initial stages were found to be at an increased risk, added Shah.
If you’ve been a diabetic for some time now, it is advisable to get your eyesight checked, even if you are not having vision issues, to try and prevent any further retina damage if any.