Do early screening to prevent vision loss due to diabetes

India, which is seeing a surge in diabetes cases, is also witnessing a rise in diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the retina due to high sugar levels. According to Dr MJ Barman, vitreo-retina and ocular oncology service, ASG Eyecare, Paltanbazaar, Guwahati, awareness about the condition remains low in India. He tells Kavita Bajeli-Datt that the need of the hour is to conduct regular check-ups and educate people about newer treatments that can help reduce the disease burden. Edited excerpts:

- DR MJ Barman

● What is Diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a condition characterised by the gradual weakening of eyesight as persistently high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. In early-stage DR (non-proliferative DR), the damaged blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the centre of the retina, causing diabetic macular edema (DME). In advanced DR (proliferative DR), abnormal blood vessels grow as the old and damaged blood vessels close off. These fragile new vessels leak fluid that collects in the centre of the eye. These vessels can sometimes grow beyond the retina and block fluid drainage from the eye, leading to conditions like glaucoma. Another complication of DR is retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina detaches itself from the back of the eye. Most of these conditions can cause vision loss and irreversible blindness without early detection and treatment.

● What are the early signs of DR?