Diabetic retinopathy camp in Rajkot on Jan 11

Rajkot, Jan 4 (UNI) A diabetic retinopathy camp, organised by the Lions Club of Rajkot in association with Chennai-based Shankar Natralaya, will be held here on January 11.

Addressing a press conference here today, District Lions Club chairman Amubhai Dhakan said apart from treating patients, the camp will create awareness among the public.

Damage to blood vessels of the retina causes diabetic retinopathy, opthalmologist Dr Manoj Bhatt informed.

In India, there are over 3.5 crore diabetic patients at present of whom ten per cent suffer from diabetic retinopathy.

However, many people show no symptoms before major bleeding occurs in the eye. Therefore, every one with diabetes should undergo regular eye examination, another opthalmologist Ketan Bavishi said.

The likelihood and severity of retinopathy increases in long-suffering diabetic patients and if the diabetes is poorly controlled. Almost every one, who has had diabetes for over 30 years, show signs of diabetic retinopathy, Dr Bhatt said, and added that the goal of treatment is to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Treatment, however, usually does not reverse the existing damage, but keeps the disease from getting worse, he pointed out.

UNI