Indian Medical Association (IMA) has sought government's help to increase awareness about blindness due to diabetes through an advertisement campaign on television and radio.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, and in our country, it is the most common cause of blindness in people, IMA Project for Prevention of Diabetic Blindness in India chairman Dr NSD Raju said.
Speaking on the sidelines of IMA-Gujarat state branch's initiative for preventing diabetic blindness at a medical college here, Raju said, "diabetes may cause a reversible, temporary blurring of vision or a severe, permanent loss of vision."
The government should run an advertisement campaign on television and radio to increase awareness about blindness due to diabetes, regular screening for retinopathy and preventive laser treatment at a stage when patient still has a good vision, he said.
Diabetes increases the risk of developing cataract and glaucoma. Some people may not even realise they have had diabetes for several years until they begin to experience problems with their eyes or vision. Diabetes may also result in heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and circulatory abnormalities of the legs, he said.
The senior doctor also suggested that posters and leaflets could be printed and distributed in local communities for spreading awareness regarding the ailment.
