World retina day: blindness can be prevented, say doctors
There are 12-18 million blind people in India, but prevention can save many from blindness, ophthalmologists said on Saturday, which was World Retina Day.
“We have the latest surgical procedures, but patients are still not aware of health problems. For example, 55 per cent cases of blindness are due to cataract,” explains Dr Amar Agarwal, chairman and managing director of Dr. Agarwal’s Group of Eye Hospitals. Dr Mohan Rajan of Rajan Eye Care Hospital said that 8 to 10 per cent cases of blindness were due to retinal disorders.
Diabetes is a major problem in the country and diabetic retinopathy can eventually lead to blindness. “Our country has 50-75 million diabetics and 20 per cent of this population develops this condition. Diabetic retinopathy is increasing in urban and rural areas,” says Dr Rajan.
Ophthalmologists say that diabetics should go for an eye check-up every six months and those aged above 40 once a year. “People are in a hurry and they want the eye examination done quickly, but it takes at least two hours to dilate the eyes and check the retina,” said Dr. Agarwal.
With the increase in longevity, macular degeneration affects older people.
“We are exposed to a lot of UV rays and we don’t wear sunglasses. This can damage the retina,” said Dr Agarwal whose hospital conducted a signature campaign in city colleges to create more awareness of eye problems.
