Diabetics advised to get regular eye check-up

During a discussion under the banner of ‘Right to Sight Experts Talk’, organised by Novartis Pharma and Express Media Group in collaboration with Pakistan Foundation Fighting Blindness (PFFB) in a local hotel in Islamabad, experts highlighted how diabetes affects different organs of the body, particularly the eye, and how those at risk may minimise the damage by preventive measures and regular medical check-ups.

Speaking at the session, the specialists said that blood vessels of the eye are affected by diabetes. They urged that those who have the disease should have an eye checkup once a year. Eye can be saved by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, they said, adding early diagnosis and early treatment can prevent the disease progression.

The organisers included Chief Coordinator for PFFB Rabail Pirzada, PFFB Chairman Muhammad Abdullah Yousuf and consultant VR specialists Dr Shahzad Saeed and VR specialist Professor Amir Awan, while Ajmal Sattar Malik, editor of the Daily Express, was the host of the event.

Ophthalmologist Prof Amir Awan while expressing his opinion in the expert talk said that diabetes affects different organs of the body, including the eye and its vision. Diabetes can affect the middle layer of the eye while also causing loss of vision. The middle part of the eye is very important for vision. If water/fluid accumulates in it, the vision becomes blurred due to swelling.

He advised the diabetic patients to have an eye check-up once a year as the risk to the eyes can be minimised with regular check-ups and timely medical intervention. Eye diseases caused by diabetes can be prevented by controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. Diabetic patients need an annual check-up. If an eye disease progresses, one must see a doctor at least once in six months. Cataract and Glaucoma can be caused by diabetes.

Ophthalmologist Dr Shahzad Saeed while addressing the program said that diabetes demands its patients to make lifestyle changes. It is important that the patient knows that he has diabetes. When the disease becomes complicated, treatment options also become limited. Diabetes is like a termite which can damage its victim's overall health. Diabetic people must monitor whether their blood sugar level is going up or down. High or low levels of sugar can lead to leakage of blood vessels. There are multiple stages of diabetes associated eye disease, which can be controlled.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2022.