THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov 15: The Jharkhand Ophthalmological Society and Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, Ranchi chapter, today organised a free camp for eye check-ups of diabetic patients here in collaboration with Diabetes Care Centre Sheetal Kunj and Kashyap Memorial Eye Hospital.
It was part of the “Check Yearly See Clearly” campaign being run for diabetic eye screening across the country by the All-India Ophthalmological Society during the World Diabetic Week (14 to 20 November).
Dr Bharti Kashyap, Chairman, of the scientific committee, the Jharkhand Ophthalmological Society, said that this camp is being organized from the 14th to the 20th of November in the remote areas of the state.
The three biggest causes of blindness due to diabetes are swelling of the macula in the middle of the eyes or vitreous haemorrhage or displacement of the retina. One message emerging from the AIOS Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Study 2019 was that 22 per cent of patients with 6/18 or better vision early in diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy but have no symptoms.
“This is why it is so important for all people with diabetes to have an annual retina or comprehensive complete eye exam,” she said.
“The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 77.8% in patients who had diabetes for more than 15 years. The percentage of diabetic retinopathy was higher in diabetic patients suffering from kidney disease and those affected by cerebrovascular accidents,” she added.
“After surgery for diabetic cataract, vision returns. Glaucoma can also be cured with medicine or surgery. But if diabetic retinopathy is not treated on time, vision can be lost forever,” she added.
Dr. Vinay Dhandhaniyan said diabetic retinopathy can be prevented in the initial stages by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.
“Due to swelling in the middle part of the retina, anti-VGF injections have to be done inside the eyes. When small weak blood vessels grow inside the eyes, along with injections, a laser also has to be done. If there is bleeding inside the eye or retinal detachment, vitrectomy or retina surgery may be required,” he said.
