Diabetic retinopathy: India’s leading cause of vision loss

India bears a staggeringly high burden of diabetes, and diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of vision loss and preventable blindness among working-age adults (20-65 years), The Hindu reports. The condition results from high blood sugar damaging the tiny blood vessels in the retina, progressing from non-proliferative to proliferative stages without early symptoms.

Times Now cautions that many patients delay care due to myths, including the belief that only poorly controlled diabetes causes eye disease or that good vision means eyes are healthy. Doctors emphasise that anyone with type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes can develop retinopathy, and the risk rises with the duration of diabetes.

Treatment options include laser surgery, eye injections, corticosteroids, and vitrectomy for advanced cases. Both sources stress that early diagnosis through dilated eye exams is critical, as some retinal damage cannot be reversed. Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is essential to slow progression.