JOIN USDiabetic retinopathy has become a major cause of worry among eye specialists with around 10 per cent diabetics suffering from this condition.
Diabetes retinopathy is a condition which results in the damage of tiny blood vessels in the retina.
According to results of a preliminary study done at AIIMS, of 16,000 diabetic patients studied last year in Delhi, around 12 per cent suffer from diabetic retinopathy.
Around 16,000 people from slums were scanned and around 12 per cent were found to besuffering from diabetic retinopathy.
“This is a condition in which new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina and optic nerve. The immature blood vessels tend to rupture and bleed into the eye’s cavity. This eventually can lead to loss of vision,” said Dr Atul Kumar, Professor of Ophthalmology, AIIMS.
Dr R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, is now tying up with a UK-based agency to conduct a full-fledged survey on patients suffering from diabetes retinopathy in the Capital.
There is a need to create more awareness on the issues. Doctors said more camps need to be organised for people to get checked for symptoms of the disease.
AIIMS is also conducting a National Blindness Survey to check for causes of blindness. The survey is being conducted across 24 states.
Doctors at AIIMS said the figures collated show there is an increase in diabetic retinopathy cases over years. “This year, the numbers are steeply rising. This is a cause of worry,” said Dr Kumar.