Diabetic retinopathy Initiative
Why its Important to go for preventive Screening
This initiative focuses on providing Diabetic Retinopathy screening camps for both tribal and urban populations. Our goal is to ensure that individuals from underprivileged backgrounds receive the necessary eye care and promote their overall well-being. By partnering with local healthcare professionals and volunteers, we strive to make a positive impact on the vision health of these communities and empower them with knowledge and resources for a brighter future.
At "The 2nd Birth", we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare, including eye care, is a fundamental right for all. Diabetic Retinopathy is a potentially sight-threatening complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. Unfortunately, many individuals from tribal and urban populations do not have awareness and regular access to eye screenings, making them vulnerable to this condition. This initiative aims to bridge that gap and bring essential eye care services directly to these communities.
Worldwide, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasing at an alarming rate. World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that in India, the number of adults with diabetes will be the highest in the world: From 19 million in 1995 to 80 million in 2030. Due to lack of proper screening and treatment facilities mainly at primary and secondary care level, many of the undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetic patients become blind. The major risk factors for developing DR are duration of diabetes and severity of hyperglycaemia. The diagnostic and treatment facilities are limited to urban tertiary care centres which are unable to meet the needs of entire population. Over the last 20 years, diabetic retinopathy has emerged as a common cause of ocular morbidity and blindness in India, moving up from number 17 (1986-1989 WHO-NPCB Survey, Government of India) to number 6 (2001–2002 NPCB national survey) in the list of causes of blindness. Half of the people with diabetes are unaware that they have the disease and a third of diabetics never undergo eye examination. About one-fifth of known diabetics are projected to have diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetic retinopathy is a important cause of avoidable blindness in India. Treatment interventions at early stages of diabetic retinopathy can reduce burden of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy and regular preventive screening can overcome this challenge.
Diabetic Retinopathy is a chronic disease with a long latent phase. Among the diabetics, 10–15% constitute type 1 diabetics and the remainder 85-90% are type 2 diabetics. In about 10 years, DR develops in 71–90% patients with type I diabetes and this incidence rises to 95% in 20–30 years.Out of these, 30–50% patients have proliferative DR. In type II diabetes, 67% patients develop DR after 10 years, with 10% patients showing features of proliferative DR. Up to a fifth of newly diagnosed diabetics have some form of retinopathy. Therefore, screening proves to be beneficial at any stage of this long latent phase of the disease and will also be helpful in avoiding blindness among 90% patients.
Join us in this noble cause and make a difference in the lives of these deserving populations. Whether you are an eye care professional, a volunteer, or a sponsor, your contribution is invaluable.
Together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to essential healthcare and clear vision for success. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming Diabetic Retinopathy screening camps for both tribal and urban populations. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at.
Remember, healthy eyes lead to a bright future for all !
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Our dedicated team of associated eye care professionals and volunteers conduct comprehensive Diabetic Retinopathy screenings for individuals of all ages. Early detection and intervention are crucial in managing this condition and preventing vision loss.
Through these screenings, we aim to identify any signs of Diabetic Retinopathy and ensure timely medical intervention for those who require further treatment or follow-up care.Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Process is fully compliant and conforms well to The four cardinal principles for screening recommended by the WHO.
It is suggested that patients with type I diabetes should be screened annually for retinopathy, 5 years after the onset of diabetes. Patients with type II diabetes should have initial examination for retinopathy shortly after the diagnosis and the examination should be repeated annually or earlier, as per the severity of the retinopathy. Pregnant women with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye examination in first trimester and close follow-up throughout pregnancy.
Screening for DR is cost-effective when compared with disability loss for people going blind in the absence of a screening program. The National Program for Control of Blindness of India recommends opportunistic screening for identification of diabetic retinopathy.