Diabetics in Abu Dhabi have been warned of progressive visual impairment as nearly 10 per cent of diabetics are at risk of getting a serious form of visual impairment which can lead to blindness should they not undergo frequent screening tests.
"As eye problems are some of the most common complications of diabetes, patients need routine eye examinations to promote early detection," so says Dr Chris Canning, consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon and medical director, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, during the Moorfields Retinal Masterclass held at the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) Abu Dhabi.
Practically every diabetic will have some form of eye disease after 20 years of diabetes. Hence, they are attempting to introduce a national screening initiative in the UAE which involves a digital photograph of the retina. This can be done through mobile vans which can travel from one centre to another," Dr Canning informed Gulf News.
The UAE is second on the list of international countries afffected by diabetes (the incidence of the disease ranges from 20 to 33 per cent). In addition, ophthalmologists are warning patients that they are likely to develop eye problems, such as, glaucoma, cataract and diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retina), which is the chief threat to vision.
Common symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include blurred vision, which is frequently associated to blood sugar levels, flashes and sudden loss of vision.
"Should diabetics get screened regularly , they will discover cost-effective results and can avoid blindness," stated the expert ophthalmologist.
Diabetics Warned of Progressive Visual Impairment
Mon, 21 Dec 2009
Recommended links
Travel insurance quotes for diabeticsTravel insurance quote form
Holiday illnesses
Life insurance quotes for diabetics
Equipment that You Need to Take Abroad
Weight Loss Helps Lower Chance of Developing Diabetes
Health Bosses Consider new Diabetes Service Is Going to Save NHS Lots of Money
New Type 2 Diabetes Gene Identified
ContentMain
