Diabetics and retinopathy
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY AFFECTS ONE-THIRD OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
November 14, 2022 08:28 PM
ONE-FIFTH WITH DIABETES WOULD DEVELOP VISION THREATENING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY (VTDR), “CHIRAG”, A GREWAL EYE INSTITUTE INITIATIVE, CONDUCTS A PUBLIC HEALTH AWARENESS SESSION ON DIABETES & EYES
Face2News/Chandigarh
“Chirag”, a Public Health Awareness initiative of Grewal Eye Institute, Chandigarh conducted an enlightening program for common people on World Diabetic Day.
The session was led by a panel of eminent Ophthalmologists from Grewal Eye Institute, Chandigarh viz., Dr. Jagat Ram (former Director – PGI), Dr. M R Dogra (former Head of Eye Department), and Dr. SPS Grewal (CEO, GEI).
The aim of the program was to provide the general public an overview of diabetes affecting the vision that leads to partial or total blindness. Great emphasis was laid on the significance of regular and detailed fundus examination. First fundus examination should be done when a person is diagnosed with diabetes for the first time.
The session started with a welcome note from Dr. SPS Grewal, the CEO & MD – Grewal Eye Institute, Chandigarh highlighting how awareness about disease can change a patient’s life. After diabetes for 25 years, practically everyone is likely to have diabetic retinopathy. He pointed out that Diabetes is increasing dramatically in India due to longer life span, change in lifestyle and sedentary work. Two types of diabetes are encountered.
Type 1 diabetes (juvenile) is uncommon, starts before 30 years of age and requires insulin for treatment and survival. Type 2 diabetes (adult onset) is common, starts after 30 years of age and is managed with lifestyle changes and/or oral drugs/ insulin. Nearly 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Most affected are between 35 and 64 years. Type 1 diabetes is rare but its prevalence is also rising. Diabetic retinopathy, especially in Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in the USA and the same is happening in India.
