Why should Physician’s screen patients for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in working age individuals' in In India, at the present time. It is estimated that there are 80 million Indians suffer from diabetes and 10 per cent of them are at risk of sight threatening retinopathy. Since Retinopathy is one of the most important complications associated with Diabetes, it becomes very important for the Physicians to screen every Diabetic Patient visiting their clinics. All newly detected Diabetic Patients should also undergo a Retinopathy Evaluation, other regular Diabetic Patients should undergo a Retinopathy Evaluation at least once a year.

Diabetic retinopathy risk factors:

Blood sugar levels

The control of blood sugar levels is of immense importance. Lower blood sugar levels can delay the onset and slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy

Blood pressure

High blood pressure damages blood vessels, raising the chances for eye problems. Effective control of blood pressure reduces the risk of retinopathy progression and visual acuity deterioration

Duration of diabetes

The risk of diabetic retinopathy developing or progressing increases over time. After 15 years, 80 per cent of Type 1 patients will have diabetic retinopathy. After 19 years, up to 84 per cent of patients with Type 2 diabetes will have diabetic retinopathy

Blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides)

Elevated blood lipid levels can lead to greater accumulation of exudates, protein deposits that leak into the retina. This condition is associated with a higher risk of moderate visual loss

Pregnancy

Women who have diabetes and become pregnant have an increased risk of developing retinopathy. If they already have diabetic retinopathy, it may progress

Welcare Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme

Physicians(Diabetologists, Endocrinologists, General Hospitals) can partner with Welcare to Screen Patients visiting their centres for Diabetic Retinopathy and other sight threatening Eye Diseases.

Digital retinal photography is the gold standard screening test to detect diabetic retinopathy. If treatment or follow-up is required, the client is referred to a specialist ophthalmology clinic or eye clinic.

Welcare Quality assurance

As a Healthcare service provider promoted by Ophthalmologists, Quality is at the topmost of all our activities and we ensure that all quality control processes are in place.

Please connect to us to start Retinopathy Screening in your centres.