Other States - Puducherry   

"Patient should be screened early"

Staff Reporter

Timely treatment can prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy

PUDUCHERRY: Around 10 per cent of the population in Theni district is diabetic of which around 12 per cent suffer from diabetic retinopathy, according to a study conducted by Aravind Eye Hospital.

The results of the study, which was conducted as part of the hospital's diabetic retinopathy project, would be published later, said R.D. Ravindran, chief medical officer, Aravind Eye Hospital, Puducherry while talking to reporters. Those screened in Theni were above 35 years, he added.

On the ongoing project undertaken by the hospital in association with World Diabetes Foundation, he said around 60,000 people in Cuddalore, Villupuram and Puducherry were screened so far.

Among the population covered, 11, 000 are diabetic and out of this 900 had advanced or sight threatening eye problems. They were investigated and treatment had been given, he added.

He said timely treatment could prevent up to 60 to 70 per cent of vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Those with diabetes for more than five years should consult an ophthalmologist for timely detection, he noted. "The disease is asymptomatic almost until when the patient becomes blind. So it is necessary to screen the patients at a very early stage," Dr Satish Baddela, medical officer (retina) of Aravind said.

On November 14, the World Diabetic Day, a screening camp would be held in Puducherry at Mudliarpet Municipal complex.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Separate union territory status for Karaikal urged
"Autonomy will not affect JIPMER"
"Patient should be screened early"
Rangasamy rushes to New Delhi
Women's college to introduce choice-based credit system soon
AICC delegate to meet PCC office bearers

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu