THE SWEET DEVIL

“Did someone say Sugar?”

Yes! We did! Not to get you high but to warn you about its side effects on the eye. Diabetes is a well known disease to all especially among Indian population. Majority of Diabetics are aware about its damage caused to Kidney and wound healing. But it is also important to note that Diabetes also affects the Eyes!

Uncontrolled Diabetics are at high risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy, glaucoma and rapidly progressing cataract.

Retina is the most important part of the eye. Our vision is dependent on the health of the Retina. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels of the retina and can cause irreversible loss of vision. This is called Diabetic Retinopathy. Sometimes Retina changes can be the first sign of diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus. Hence its important for people having diabetes or family history of diabetes to undergo annual retina evaluation by an Ophthalmologist. Early stage of Diabetic retinopathy is reversible if controlled in time. This can save you from losing your sight.

So along with a routine follow up with your Diabetes doctor, it is also mandatory to do a Retina evaluation routinely to maintain healthy eyes which are the window to the world.

Dr Prajakta Paritekar

MS,DNB Ophthalmology