Early screening can prevent vision loss in diabetic patients, says ABHI SINGHAL

There are over 101 million people affected with diabetes in India and the number is expected to grow to 225 million by 2030. Studies also predict that one in five adults will be diagnosed with diabetes in their working age in coming years. This has resulted in the simultaneous and sharp rise in the prevalence of diabetes-related preventable vision loss.

Diabetes-related elevated blood sugar is the cause of diabetic retinopathy. Over time, high blood sugar levels can harm your retina, which is the portion of your eye that senses light and uses the optic nerve (located in the back of the eye) to transmit signals to your brain. All over the body, blood vessels are harmed by diabetes. One might notice changes in their vision, like trouble reading or seeing faraway objects as a symptom. In the later stage blood vessels in the retina begin to leak into the vitreous, the gel-like fluid that fills your eye, as the disease progresses.

To combat this issue the Vitreo Retinal Society of India (VRSI) and Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) have collaborated to formulate first-of-its-kind Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Guidelines. These guidelines from VRSI and RSSDI will help every physician and diabetologists in India to educate their patients regarding diabetic retinopathy.

The Diabetic retinopathy screening guidelines for physicians in India: position statement by the Vitreoretinal Society of India (VRSI) and the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI).

The Type 1 diabetes mellitus should be given initial eye examination recommended 5 years following diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus should be recommended for initial eye examination at the time of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The patients with pregnancy with diabetes mellitus the eye examination prior to conception and early during 1st trimester is recommended and follow-up should be individualised based on severity and recent changes in retinopathy.

“It is important to realise that earlier, diabetes was considered a disease of the elite, but it is no longer like that. It is equally affecting all stratas of the society. We are having an equal prevalence of diabetes, both in rural and urban settings of our country.” said Dr. Manisha Agarwal, General Secretary, Vitreoretinal Society of India. A diabetologist plays an important role in timely screening for diabetic retinopathy and referring to an ophthalmologist for its management.

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and the associated risk of diabetic retinopathy, early screening and timely interventions for the same are crucial. It’s essential for individuals with diabetes to schedule regular eye exams and for healthcare providers to follow the VRSI and RSSDI guidelines. Together, we can prevent vision loss and improve the quality of life for millions of people in India.